Hungarian: We support the goal of Montenegro becoming an EU member by 2028.

Montenegro is an example that other candidate countries should follow and has the support of Hungary to become the next member of the European Union by 2028, is the message from the meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, held on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.

Spajić and Magyar discussed bilateral relations, cooperation within the NATO alliance, as well as Montenegro's European perspective, the Prime Minister's Office announced.

The Hungarian, as reported, stressed that the new Hungarian Government is firmly committed to the EU enlargement policy and supports the goal of Montenegro becoming a member state of the Union by 2028.

"He assessed that Montenegro is an example of what the accession process should look like, emphasizing that membership can be achieved exclusively through decisive reforms, consistent fulfillment of obligations and concrete results in all areas covered by the negotiation process," the statement reads.

Video: Government of Montenegro

Spajić thanked Hungary for its support for Montenegro's European integration, emphasizing that EU membership is the most important strategic goal of the Government.

"Our focus remains on reforms and results. Montenegro wants to be an example of a successful accession process and confirm that the enlargement policy benefits both candidate countries and the European Union itself," said Spajić.

The interlocutors also discussed further improving bilateral relations, assessing that the existing legal framework represents a strong foundation for intensifying economic and investment cooperation.

"In this context, the Hungarian side has expressed interest in participating in the implementation of key infrastructure projects in Montenegro, including the development of railway and transport infrastructure and other projects of strategic importance," the Government said.

During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the alliance within NATO and to jointly contribute to preserving peace, stability and security in Europe. It was emphasized that close coordination between the allies represents an important response to current security challenges and a basis for even more intensive cooperation in the coming period.

The Hungarian invited Spajić to visit Hungary and attend the celebration marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution at the end of October.

Spajić emphasized that Montenegro remains committed to further improving relations with Hungary and expressed his expectation that through continued contacts at the highest level and direct cooperation between the competent institutions, conditions will be created for the full implementation of the agreements reached and the implementation of joint development projects.