Šahman: Romania remains a strong and reliable partner of Montenegro on its European path

The President of the Bosniak Democratic Movement (BDP) and European Union official Sead Šahman visited Bucharest at the invitation of the Member of the Romanian Parliament and the President of the Romania-Montenegro Parliamentary Friendship Group, Paul Cotirlet.

As announced by the BDP, Šahman also met with members of the House of Representatives Dumitrit Glig, Lidija Vadim Tudor and Ciprian Constantin Paraschiva, as well as with senators Oan Buzatu, Remus Negoi and Ionel Floroiu.

"During the visit, meetings were held in the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Romanian Parliament, at which it was confirmed that Romania remains a strong and reliable partner of Montenegro on its European path. The interlocutors emphasized that European integration represents a process that brings concrete benefits to citizens through development, modernization and strengthening of institutions, strengthening economic activity and improving living standards," it was announced.

The focus of the conversation, it added, was on European funds, opportunities for improving investment cooperation, and the exchange of experiences in the process of accession to the European Union.

"It was particularly emphasized that Romania's experience confirms that membership in the European Union opens up space for accelerated development, stronger inflow of foreign investments and sustainable economic growth. Since joining the European Union in 2007, Romania has increased the volume of foreign investments many times over and achieved significant economic progress."

Shahman, the statement reads, emphasized that political dialogue, exchange of experiences and strengthening ties between Montenegro and Romania are of particular importance for the continuation of European reforms and the acceleration of the process of accession to the European Union.

"During the talks, it was jointly assessed that the two countries cherish traditionally friendly relations, based on mutual trust, openness and continuous cooperation. Montenegro and Romania share common foreign policy priorities, successfully cooperate within the framework of NATO, while Romania has consistently supported the European integration of our country since the restoration of Montenegro's independence," it was announced.

It is added that Romanian MPs reiterated that Bucharest supports the expansion of the European Union to the Western Balkan countries, emphasizing that they see Montenegro as a reliable partner.

"Both sides expressed interest in further improving economic cooperation through increasing Romanian investments in Montenegro, as well as in intensifying cooperation in the areas of education, tourism, information technologies and the use of European funds. The interlocutors assessed that these areas represent significant potential for deepening bilateral relations and creating new development opportunities of interest to both countries. The visit to Bucharest once again confirmed the friendly relations between Montenegro and Romania, as well as the common commitment to strengthening political and economic cooperation based on European values," it was announced.