I expect the European Union (EU) to clearly determine whether the Agreement between Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in line with the Stabilization and Association Agreement, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović announced today at a meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (EC) Kaja Kalas.
The Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro announced that Milatović met with Kalas, who is on an official visit to Montenegro.
"During the working lunch, the two officials exchanged opinions on the current moment in Montenegro's accession negotiations with the European Union and the remaining steps towards the set foreign policy goal - full membership of the country by 2028," the statement reads.
Milatović assessed that the visit of the EU High Representative comes at a crucial moment for the region and its European path, and that the continuation of the enlargement policy and integration of the Western Balkan countries is an important issue that can demonstrate the strength of the European Union.
"Montenegro is determined to do everything in its power to be ready for membership by 2028. We are aware that this is an ambitious goal, but we believe that we can achieve it, together with our European partners. We appreciate the EU's commitment to strictly adhere to the merit-based approach. As the most advanced candidate for membership, we are highly motivated to host the European Political Community Summit in the spring of next year. The timing of the Summit is particularly significant for Montenegro, as in May 2026 we will mark 20 years since the restoration of independence," said Milatović.
The statement says that during the meeting, Milatović paid special attention to the issue of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism and Real Estate Development, which the Government of Montenegro recently signed with the Government of the UAE.
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Milatović: Security and Defense Partnership Agreement with the EU important for Montenegro
The Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro said that Milatović and Kalas also discussed the signing of the Agreement on Security and Defense Partnership between Montenegro and the EU.
"Based on shared values and geopolitical interests, and in full compliance with the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the signing of this agreement would be an additional confirmation of Montenegro's credible and strategically determined European path," said Milatović.
The statement states that during the conversation, Kallas expressed full support for Montenegro's further rapprochement with the EU.
"As part of the meeting, the President of the state also arranged a visit by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to the National Museum in Cetinje. With her arrival in Montenegro, she began her first visit to the Western Balkans," the press release from the Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro reads.
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