MVP: It's high time that the political discourse in the region is freed from the narrative of the alleged threat to anyone in Montenegro

Montenegro has no need to argue about its statehood with anyone. It is older than many European states, internationally recognized in the 19th century and restored by the democratic will of its citizens in 2006.

With the message that it is high time for the political discourse in the region to be freed from the narrative of the alleged threat to anyone in Montenegro, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP) stated this in a response to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSP) of Serbia, from which they said that the department headed by Ervin Ibrahimović continues to resort to rhetoric that does not contribute to the development of good neighborly relations and mutual respect between two mutually recognized, sovereign states.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted late last night to the statement by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić that he would "spit in his own and his people's faces" if he participated in a "glamorous celebration of secession" from Serbia, assessing it as unacceptable to present the anniversary of the restoration of Montenegrin independence as an act directed against Serbia.

The department headed by Ibrahimović emphasized in a statement published on Ixuponovo that Montenegro does not celebrate anyone's defeat or any "separation from Serbia".

"On the contrary - we celebrate the freedom on which we are founded, as well as the right of both states to independently decide on their future. Therefore, we equally respect modern, independent Serbia and the right of its citizens to develop their state in accordance with their own democratic choice," the statement said.

The MFA believes that it is high time that the political discourse in the region is freed from the narrative of the alleged threat to anyone in Montenegro.

"Montenegro is a civil, multiethnic and multireligious state in which the rights of all citizens are protected by the Constitution and laws, according to the highest European standards. Instead of unfounded political constructions about discrimination, we believe that it would be more useful to look more closely at Montenegro's experiences in building a civil society, interethnic harmony and respect for diversity as an example of good experience," the government department said.

They say they are particularly concerned by the attempt to present any insistence by Montenegro on its own identity, language, culture and historical continuity as an act against Serbia or the Serbian people. Such an approach, they say, is not a contribution to reconciliation, but a continuation of a policy of division that has no place in contemporary Europe.

"Montenegro remains sincerely committed to good neighborly relations with Serbia, regional cooperation and the European future of the Western Balkans. As the country that has advanced the furthest in the European integration process, we are ready to share our experiences, knowledge and institutional support with Serbia so that the citizens of Serbia can have a more certain European future and a full place in the European family of nations as soon as possible," the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed their belief that relations between Montenegro and Serbia can be best when they are based on mutual respect, equality and abandoning the rhetoric of the past.

"Therefore, it is affirmative for the future relations between Montenegro and Serbia that the MFA, by emphasizing President Vučić's right to a personal opinion, simultaneously sends a message that it distances itself from his views. It is not difficult for citizens of both countries to assess which side, to what extent and in what way, is contributing to good neighborly relations. At the very end of their reaction, a congratulatory message to Montenegro on the anniversary of the restoration of independence is missing, as a confirmation of the views they expressed in it. Justified, if they intend to do so in the next few days. If it is still missing - May Montenegro be eternal and long live Serbia. Happy Independence Day!", the statement concludes.