The messages coming from the Munich Security Conference give reason for optimism and it seems that the doors of the European Union are truly open for Montenegro, said President Jakov Milatović.
His office announced that Milatović had intensive meetings with European and international officials at the event, where they discussed Montenegro's European perspective, the need for stronger diplomatic engagement, and the continuation of essential reforms.
Speaking about the key messages from European partners, Milatović emphasized that during his stay in Munich he had a series of conversations at the highest level, which confirm the continued interest and support of European allies.
"I have had numerous conversations, including with French President Macron. I expect to go to Paris soon, where we will continue our conversation," said Milatović, emphasizing the importance of continuing political dialogue with France.
When it comes to the meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the President of Montenegro pointed out the importance of the transatlantic partnership in the current geopolitical moment, emphasizing that he was particularly honored by the invitation to a working dinner with European leaders and US senators, where "additional focus was placed on this issue."
In the context of global security challenges, he also highlighted the message that came from the United States.
"In that sense, I think the message we heard this morning from US Secretary of State Rubio is very encouraging. It comes at a really good time: a focus on strengthening US-European friendship."
Milatović assessed that such signals represent an incentive for further deepening bilateral relations between Montenegro and the USA, recalling the initiative for an intergovernmental agreement between the two countries.
"I believe that this is a good moment for this story that Montenegro started, and for which I also advocated during my visit to Washington. This is an intergovernmental agreement between Montenegro and the United States of America."
Special emphasis was placed on the conversation with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, considering the role of that country in the European Union enlargement process.
As Milatović said, he also held talks with German MPs from the ruling party and assessed that Germany is "a key country in this process."
The President of the country said that Montenegro's position is currently the most favorable.
"We are currently in the best position compared to all other countries."
However, he stressed that the European path requires additional effort and key changes.
"What is expected of us is to continue with reforms, even more vigorously, to use this process for substantive reforms."
According to him, the messages coming from the conference give reason for optimism.
"It seems to me that the door for Montenegro is truly open."
At the same time, he pointed out the importance of constant and proactive communication with member states and EU institutions.
"It is important to continuously communicate with the countries that decide on this process, with all 27 member states, as well as with the leaders of the European Union institutions."
According to him, it is crucial that all forces in Montenegro be directed towards fulfilling this very important goal.
Milatović reiterated that Montenegro's European path is, above all, a process of internal transformation and international affirmation of the state.
"The essence is in reforms, additional lobbying and promotion of Montenegro as a future member state. I am doing this continuously."
Participation in the Munich Security Conference, as he assessed, represented an important opportunity to further strengthen political dialogue with key partners, affirm Montenegro's European perspective and confirm its place in the European and transatlantic framework.
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