Montenegro has a historic chance on the EU path and its example can serve as an inspiration to others, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Bilstrom, during a meeting with his Montenegrin colleague, Filip Ivanović, who was visiting Sweden today, at the invitation of Bilstrom.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP) announced that the talks confirmed mutual commitment to strengthening friendly bilateral relations, as well as the NATO alliance, bearing in mind that this is the first visit since Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The Swedish head of diplomacy confirmed strong support for Montenegro, as a leader on the European path.
"You have a historic chance on the EU path and your example can serve as an inspiration to others. "Sweden will continue to provide political, financial and expert support to the reforms that you implement as part of the negotiation process," Bilström said, according to the MFA.
Ivanovic thanked for the messages of unequivocal support, but also confirmed that Sweden stands by Montenegro.
"For us, EU integration is the driving force for reforms and the overall development of society. In the last few months, we have made significant strides and we are moving decisively towards a clear goal - to enter the final phase of negotiations in June," Ivanović pointed out.
He also pointed to the dedication of the entire administration, as well as society, to that goal.
"The public's strong support is an additional wind behind us. We are aware of the obligations and challenges and are ready to overcome them, so that Montenegro becomes the first next member of the Union."
There was also talk about the changed geopolitical circumstances and their impact on global trends, including the expansion of the European Union. The heads of diplomacy of Montenegro and Sweden agreed that it is time to show readiness to accept new members, with the assessment that Montenegro is the right candidate for that.
Speaking about bilateral relations, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the dynamics of political dialogue and mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation in all areas, especially economy, tourism, culture and environmental protection.
They assessed that the very good bilateral relations were additionally strengthened by the NATO alliance, expressing satisfaction that the two countries will cooperate more intensively within the Alliance. Ministers Ivanović and Bilstrom referred to the role of NATO and the European Union in strengthening security and further development in the Western Balkans, and emphasized that the European perspective is the only sure way to establish lasting stability and prosperity in the region.
Today in Stockholm, the head of Montenegrin diplomacy also met with the Swedish Minister for the EU, Jesika Rosval.
During the conversation, support for Montenegro's European path was confirmed, and Ivanovic said that the clear support of member countries, friends and partners is of particular importance in this phase of negotiations.
"Your vote in the Union and your support for the reforms we are implementing are confirmation that we are on the right path. As we promised, we will finish our part of the job.
Minister Rosval said that the EU member states' interest in enlargement is evident and that Montenegro, with its 100% commitment and compliance with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, deserves attention and full support.
"Sweden will continue to advocate for Montenegro's accession to the Union as soon as possible and strongly supports the enlargement policy," concluded Rosval.
Bonus video:
