Milatović: Cyprus sees the issue of enlargement as an important priority during its presidency of the Council of the EU

Cyprus sees the issue of enlargement as an important priority during its presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), but the success of European integration depends primarily on the dynamics of domestic reforms, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.

During a working visit to Cyprus, he assessed that the timing of its implementation is of exceptional importance, bearing in mind that that country currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU.

Milatović emphasized that the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides represents a strong signal that Cyprus sees the issue of EU enlargement as an important priority during its presidency.

As announced by the President's Office, Milatović welcomed the confirmation of Christodoulides' arrival at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, which will be held on June 5 in Tivat, assessing that this is an important political message of support for the European perspective of the region and Montenegro.

Milatović emphasized that Cyprus played a crucial role in strengthening European support for Montenegro, recalling a conversation with Christodoulides from December last year, when he initiated stronger support during the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU.

"I asked President Christodoulides to do everything possible to ensure that a working group for the preparation of the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro to the EU is established during their presidency. Today, that working group is already working and this is an important step forward in the final phase of our European path," said Milatović.

He recalled that two intergovernmental conferences have already been organized during the Cypriot presidency, stating that he expects another one to be held soon, at which Montenegro could close at least two negotiation chapters.

"Continuity in closing chapters is very important. On our part, the dynamics of reforms must be even stronger, and the message from our European partners is clear: they can close as many chapters as Montenegro is ready to prepare. This confirms that the success of the European path is primarily in our hands," Milatović emphasized.

He assessed that the visit to Cyprus represents a confirmation of the mutual trust between the two countries and emphasized that Montenegro must justify this trust with a responsible attitude towards reforms and European obligations.

Milatović recalled that after mutual visits, several significant agreements were signed, including an agreement on cooperation in the maritime sector.

He also discussed with his Cypriot counterpart the organization of a business forum that could soon be held in Montenegro or Cyprus, with the aim of further connecting businesspeople and strengthening economic relations between the two countries.

Milatović pointed out the importance of the Montenegrin diaspora in Cyprus, emphasizing that it is very well integrated into Cypriot society and represents an additional bridge of friendship between the two countries.

"Cyprus is a great friend of Montenegro, and Montenegro is a great friend of Cyprus," said Milatović.