Mandić: Montenegro remains committed to the values ​​of peace, democracy, stability and regional cooperation

Dialogue, parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation are key to preserving peace, democratic values ​​and stability in times of global crises, it was stated at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) in Budva.

On the second day of the celebration of the jubilee, 20th session of the PAM, the First Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of Member States and Partner Parliaments was held, dedicated to the topic "Parliamentary Diplomacy as a Pillar of Resilience of Democratic Institutions".

Opening the Summit, the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, emphasized that the presence of high-level parliamentary delegations in Budva is a confirmation of the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in times of global political, security and social challenges.

He stressed, as announced by the parliament, that dialogue, trust and responsibility are needed more than ever today, and that parliaments must remain places of meeting and cooperation, not division.

Speaking about the role of Montenegro, Mandić recalled that it is a country that deeply understands the importance of peace and stability, emphasizing that stability is preserved through wisdom, mutual respect and willingness to reach an agreement.

"Montenegro, as the first incoming member of the European Union (EU), remains committed to the values ​​of peace, democracy, stability and regional cooperation," Mandić emphasized.

He said that there is no alternative to peace, especially at a time when conflicts are present in both Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

"Every appeal for peace, humanitarian initiative and diplomatic effort has special moral and political weight," Mandić said.

He also pointed out the importance of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, which for two decades has confirmed that the Mediterranean represents an area of ​​shared destiny for peoples, cultures and civilizations.

Mandić emphasized that this space should be viewed as a bridge of cooperation, understanding and common progress, not as a line of division.

He assessed that the Summit in Budva will contribute to strengthening political dialogue, restoring trust in multilateral institutions, and affirming the central role of parliaments in protecting democratic processes.

Mandić said that the Parliament of Montenegro remains a committed member of the PAM, and that he believes that through joint action, we can respond more strongly to the challenges of security, economic development, environmental protection, migration and the preservation of human dignity.

PAM Vice President and President of the Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to PAM, Dejan Đurović, emphasized the importance of this organization in strengthening cooperation among the countries of the Mediterranean, Europe and beyond.

He emphasized that for two decades, PAM has been an important platform for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices, but also for strengthening mutual trust and political dialogue among member states and partners.

Stressing the importance of the jubilee plenary session, Đurović said that the topics that bring together PAM members are much more important than the differences that divide them.

He pointed out the importance of economic development, environmental protection, sustainable social policies and security, assessing that these segments represent the key pillars of the common Mediterranean space.

"In times of global challenges, it is necessary to speak with a unified voice and recognize the responsibility that parliamentarians have towards the citizens of their countries," said Đurović.

He assessed that the gathering in Budva represents an expression of shared responsibility and a vision of a stable, prosperous and connected Mediterranean.

Đurović also highlighted the significance of the fact that the PAM jubilee is being held in Montenegro, which is on the verge of full EU membership, stating that it is an opportunity for the country to present progress in reforms, democratization and adoption of European values, but also to promote its natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential.

PAM President Đulio Ćentemero said that the First Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of PAM Member States and Partner Parliaments is an important opportunity to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation.

Emphasizing the important anniversary of PAM, Ćentemero pointed out that the organization is celebrating 20 years of existence, and that it has grown into a unique platform for dialogue, exchange of experiences, and international cooperation.

He warned that the modern world faces increasing authoritarian pressures, military conflicts, economic uncertainty and crises that threaten the resilience of democratic societies.

As Centemero pointed out, parliaments today are not just legislative bodies, but guardians of civil liberties, democratic values, and peace.

"Parliamentary diplomacy plays a key role in strengthening institutional integrity, international solidarity and long-term strategic vision," emphasized Ćenetemero.

He said that the ability of parliamentarians to sit at the same table and reach consensus is a key prerequisite for stability and cooperation in the modern world, calling on the Summit participants to further strengthen their common determination to support PAM member states, observers and partners, both at the national and regional levels.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized in a video message that the Summit participants are gathering at a time when peace, stability and dialogue are more necessary than ever, especially given the conflicts, social divisions and numerous global challenges facing the international community.

Guterres supported the PAM mission, emphasizing the importance of the efforts that member states are making to transform national commitments into shared values ​​and regional cooperation.

He praised activities aimed at protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development, and achieving development goals for future generations, assessing that such efforts represent an important contribution not only to the Mediterranean region, but also to the entire world.

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of CTED, Natalia German, emphasized that PAM has achieved significant results in strengthening international cooperation and dialogue through regional parliamentary diplomacy.

Speaking about the work of CTED, German explained that the Directorate operates in four key areas – monitoring the implementation of United Nations resolutions in the fight against terrorism, identifying new trends and threats, providing technical assistance to member states, and translating best practices into international standards and guidelines.

She said that the successful fight against terrorism requires joint action by societies, governments and international institutions, along with strengthening dialogue, trust and multilateral cooperation.

"Only through partnerships, exchange of experiences and promotion of good practices can a world free from terrorism be built, wishing the participants a successful continuation of their work and discussions," said German.

The Assembly announced that at the end of the opening addresses of the First Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of PAM Member States and Partner Parliaments, a welcoming ceremony was held to mark the granting of observer status to Armenia and Azerbaijan, further confirming PAM's openness to expanding international cooperation and parliamentary dialogue.

"As part of the Summit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between PAM and the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM PN), which further strengthened cooperation between the two parliamentary platforms," ​​the statement said.

It is emphasized that by holding the First Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of PAM Member States and Partners, the Parliament of Montenegro once again confirmed its commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, international cooperation and the promotion of dialogue, peace and democratic values ​​at the regional and global levels.