Cooperation in the field of higher education, science and innovation is a key incentive for the improvement of bilateral relations, it was assessed today in Paris at the meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović with the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France Frederik Vidal. The head of Montenegrin diplomacy, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thanked the interlocutor for his personal engagement in order to establish communication with the Montenegrin academic community, which represents a good basis for intensifying further activities to promote bilateral cooperation in education. "We especially appreciate every initiative and project that promotes the concept of "scientific diplomacy" between Montenegro and France, as countries that are friends and allies," said Radulović. The two ministers emphasized the necessity to identify several key topics in joint activities, which would be implemented in direct contact between the Montenegrin and French ministries from the education department. In this context, an online conversation between Minister Vidal and her Montenegrin colleague, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Vesna Bratić, was announced.
Emphasizing the importance of science and innovation in the context of creating optimal conditions for overall social progress, Radulović pointed to the possibilities of cooperation within the EU and Southeast Europe. Speaking on that topic, he singled out the SEEIIST project, whose activities, with the support of France, could also result in the establishment of a center in Podgorica, the statement added.
"Montenegro is dedicated to integration into the EU and the European system of values, and in that spirit we follow the trends of the Union in the field of education modernization, and within the framework of the ERASMUS+ program we cooperate with four French universities," said the head of Montenegrin diplomacy. According to the MFA, Minister Vidal welcomed Montenegro's progress on the path to European integration, stressing that education and higher education programs are particularly important in this process. She also pointed out the importance of joint activities in terms of communication and cooperation between the academic communities of the two countries.
The interlocutors agreed on the need for stronger promotion of the French language in Montenegro, as one of the official languages of the EU. "We welcome the initiative of the Embassy of France in Podgorica to implement the idea of a bilingual department in one of the Montenegrin schools, where French is taught," stressed Radulović. During the working visit to Paris, the minister also met with representatives of the French Institute for International Relations. On that occasion, he introduced the interlocutors to the foreign policy priorities of the Government, according to which the credible alliance in NATO and especially the expected membership in the EU remain at the top of the agenda.
"Montenegro is strongly committed to all activities on the way to European integration, and we pay special attention to internal reform processes. "We are sure that the European partners will recognize the efforts of Montenegro and continue to support our aspirations for membership," said the minister.
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