The President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović said that he perceives Slovenia as a sincere friend, that the country advocated for Montenegro's membership in NATO, but also that he is a great supporter of Montenegro's entry into the European Union (EU).
"At a time when the entry into the EU is gaining new momentum, the support of friends is of particular importance," said Milatović at a press conference with the President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar, who is on an official visit to Montenegro.
He assessed that technical and financial assistance, as well as advice, is very useful for Montenegro's progress towards the EU.
"I am advocating that our economy and standard of living be as close as possible to Slovenia's by the end of my mandate," said Milatović.
He said that the first diplomatic representation of Montenegro was in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, and that the first embassy in Montenegro was Slovenian.
Milatović added that the Brdo Brioni conference will be held in Montenegro this year.
Pirc Musar pointed out that relations between Montenegro and Slovenia have been developed on all sides.
She said that she sees a great possibility of economic cooperation, but also that this is the goal of this visit and that is why the economic delegation of her country is visiting with her.
Pirc Musar said that Montenegro has a sincere ally in her country, but also that Slovenia supports Montenegro's European path.
"Membership in the EU and alliance in NATO is one of the key goals of Slovenia, and I see that it is the same in Montenegro. Montenegro has a different path, but the path is the same," said the President of Slovenia.
She added that in difficult moments one should not forget about the Western Balkans - because "if the Western Balkans is stable, Europe is also stable".
"States must achieve EU standards and adopt certain reforms. At the same time, the EU, as an experienced leader, must use its example to help the states of the Western Balkans," said the President of Slovenia.
According to her, the other states of the region can emulate Montenegro, but also that within the EU there is a preference for Montenegro's membership.
Milatović: The appointment of Zenović as the holder of the list is not a good message
When asked by a journalist if he thinks that the fact that the main negotiator with the EU Predrag Zenović can be the holder of the Europe Now Movement (PES) ticket in the local elections in Budva, can affect the European path, Milatović said that he was surprised by such a decision.
"Taking into account what is currently our national interest, which is Montenegro's membership in the EU until 2028. In order for that to happen, it is important that we get IBAR in June. Whether this decision is in favor of that, I leave it to the citizens to judge. I don't think that's a good message," Milatović said.
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Regarding the local elections in Budva, he said that he called them for May 26, in order for that city to complete the election process before the season begins, because a good tourist season is in the state's interest.
Answering the question whether he will form a party, he said that his party is Montenegro.
"We will see if the processes in the country will require my different positioning," the head of state pointed out.
Pirc Musar: The process of joining the EU is much more difficult than when Slovenia joined
Answering a journalist's question about Montenegro's entry into the EU, Pirc Musar said that the entry process is much more difficult than when Slovenia was entering, but that she is glad that "Montenegro is aware that it is up to them."
"Slovenia's desire to join the Western Balkans is great because Slovenia and Germany initiated the idea of the project with the so-called qualified majority," she said and added that this does not apply to Montenegro because she opened all the chapters.
According to her, there is a "great affection for Montenegro" within the EU.
Milatović on co-sponsoring the UN Resolution on the remembrance of the genocide in Srebrenica: Question for the Government
When asked about the co-sponsorship of the United Nations (UN) Resolution on the remembrance of the genocide in Srebrenica, Milatović assessed that Montenegro has a state position, and "whether the Government has changed its position in relation to it is a question for them".
Pirc Musar said that her country decided to sponsor the resolution in order to send a message to future generations.
"It's a difficult matter, but we need to acknowledge what we did in the past, in order to move forward. That's my sincere message to the people of Montenegro," said the Slovenian president.
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After the conference, Milatović and the Slovenian president will plant a tree as a sign of friendship between the two countries, and after that they will lay wreaths at the Partisan Fighter Monument as a sign of the "common past".
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