Montenegro and North Macedonia, in times of great global challenges, remain valuable beacons of respect and appreciation of diversity, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.
In his address to the Macedonian Parliament, he said that he was proud of the fact that in Montenegro the name of North Macedonia is pronounced exclusively with an emotion of deep closeness.
"Our friendship transcends the usual diplomatic phrases about the 'absence of open issues'. It is essential, lived and true," Milatović stated.
Milatović, as announced by his cabinet, said that ties between the two countries have been strengthened even in the most difficult times.
“We remember the solidarity we shared when earthquakes devastated Skopje in 1963 and the Montenegrin coast in 1979,” said Milatović.
He stated that Montenegro and North Macedonia then proved that brotherhood is not just a word, but a helping hand in need.
"It was precisely in those days of suffering in your capital, our great Petar Lubarda, by donating some of his most valuable paintings to Skopje, that he sent a message that cities are not rebuilt only from stone and brick, but from spirit, art and unbreakable friendship that defies every disaster," Milatović added.
He said that friendships should not be based solely on memory, but must be actively nurtured in the present and built upon in the future.
According to Milatović, cooperation between the two countries in the economy, infrastructure, energy and tourism should not remain just at the level of potential.
"It is our duty to institutionally integrate our economies and modernize our societies, so that the results of our policies can be measured by a better life for each of our citizens - from those Montenegrin families who have been building homes here for decades, to Macedonian citizens who, especially in the summer, are an inseparable part of our coast, but also of the entire Montenegro," Milatović added.
He said that Montenegro and North Macedonia share one of the highest values of modern civilization - sincere and lived multiculturalism.
"In times of great global challenges, Montenegro and North Macedonia remain valuable beacons of respect and appreciation of diversity," said Milatović.
According to him, "we do not perceive this diversity as a burden, but as an asset that essentially enriches our peoples."
"By doing so, we are making a key contribution to the stability of the region, sending a clear message: different religions and nations are not walls that divide us, but bridges that strongly bind and connect us," added Milatović.
He said that on the foreign policy front, the two countries are moving in the same direction.
"We were proud to be able to offer you a hand of support on your path to NATO membership. Today, as credible allies, we are together demonstrating responsibility in these turbulent times, confirming our full alignment with European values," said Milatović.
He stated that Montenegro today stands at the doors of the European Union.
"We optimistically expect that we will soon become the next member, but our vision is not complete without you. Our vision is the entire Western Balkans as an inseparable part of the European family," said Milatović.
He said he hopes "that we will soon sit at a common table in Brussels, contributing to the community to which we have always belonged in terms of civilization."
The President's Office said that Milatović is the first President of Montenegro to address the members of the Parliament, which, they said, further symbolizes the historical significance of the visit and the strengthening of interstate ties.
"This event represents a special honor for Montenegro and a strong confirmation of the close and friendly relations between the two countries," the statement said.
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