Montenegro and Croatia confirm their readiness to discuss all issues openly and responsibly, with the aim of finding compromise solutions based on facts and with full respect for the interests of both countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this in connection with the talks being held between Montenegro and Croatia, and in connection with, as they state, various comments and statements that have appeared in the media.
"Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia have identified open issues of common interest that are being discussed continuously, at different levels and in different formats. For certain issues, by agreement of the two sides, special commissions have been formed, or the work of existing commissions and committees has been renewed after a multi-year standstill. The talks are being conducted between two neighboring and allied states, in the spirit of mutual appreciation, respect and partnership. Montenegro approaches these talks responsibly, in good faith and with a clear commitment to resolving all open issues through dialogue," the MFA statement said.
They emphasized that they consistently respect the agreement reached not to comment publicly on certain issues and the course of negotiations until mutually acceptable solutions are reached.
"These are complex issues that have their own historical context and that often carry an additional social and emotional dimension. That is precisely why we believe that they cannot and must not be resolved through media appearances, especially when blanket assessments are made without sufficient knowledge of the facts and the overall context. We do not consider such appearances, regardless of which side they come from, to contribute to the process of finding a solution. On the contrary, in some cases they represent an attempt to gain short-term political gain at the expense of state interests or part of a negotiation tactic that does not contribute to building mutual trust. The Ministry will not address such statements or comment on them further," the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs adds that, at the same time, they fully understand the public's interest and the right of citizens to be informed about issues of national importance.
"However, it is equally important to understand that diplomacy, by its very nature, implies a certain degree of discretion. Serious negotiation processes are not conducted in front of cameras or through daily media reactions. Their success often depends precisely on the ability of participants to talk openly, responsibly and without the pressure of public competition. Discretion in such circumstances is not an expression of lack of transparency, but a necessary prerequisite for achieving sustainable and mutually acceptable solutions," the statement reads.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they add, has so far regularly informed the public about meetings held, agreements reached, and all issues regarding which concrete results have been achieved.
"We have always taken care to provide the public with relevant information, without questioning Montenegro's negotiating position or the possibility of successfully completing the process. We particularly emphasize that the talks are being conducted with strict respect for national interests, state dignity and international reputation of Montenegro. The views and positions of our state do not depend on personal impressions, individual opinions or political interpretations, but are determined, in accordance with the Constitution and laws, by the competent state institutions, primarily the Government of Montenegro," the MFA statement said.
The government department also said that their goal remains to achieve mutually acceptable solutions to issues that have burdened relations between the two neighboring and allied states for decades.
"Commitment to good neighborly relations, regional cooperation and European values represents one of the fundamental commitments of Montenegro. We are convinced that it is the responsibility of our generation to resolve open issues through dialogue and thus leave a more stable, secure and prosperous region for future generations. Montenegro applies the same approach in relations with all neighboring countries that show willingness to resolve open issues seriously, constructively and in a spirit of mutual respect," the statement reads.
They conclude that, where a possible agreement within a bilateral framework is not possible, there remains the possibility of jointly addressing appropriate international mechanisms and forums, in accordance with international law and good international practice.
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