Regional cooperation, as one of the pillars of Montenegro’s foreign policy, is also in the focus of our diplomatic activities
Montenegro will continue to give a strong contribution to bolstering regional ties and a more dynamic involvement of the region in the EU through multilateral mechanisms that respect the needs of all countries in the region, the improvement of regional infrastructure, greater mobility of young people and resolution of bilateral issues. It gives me a great pleasure to address all the diplomats and readers of magazine Diplomacy & Commerce magazine, which is intended for the diplomatic and business community in Serbia, on the occasion of celebration of the Statehood Day of Montenegro on 13th July. This year, Montenegro can proudly summarize the significant results and successes it has achieved both in terms of the foreign policy, as well as on the internal and regional level. Montenegro, a country that is a synonym for harmonious coexistence of different nations, religions and cultures, and the regional leader in the process of European integration, is increasingly becomes a state of the full-fledged democratic capacity and European identity. This year, in June, we marked the anniversary of our membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is undoubtedly a significant step towards meeting the security standards, and boosting the stability and security of the Western Balkan region, while, at the same time, encouraging further democratization and economic progress. Montenegro is participating in the two-day NATO Summit in Brussels, and has just taken part in the Summit of the Heads of the six West Balkan governments held in London within the framework of the Berlin Process, thus continually confirming its commitment to the regional and Euro-Atlantic integration process. We are also working hard on promoting the bilateral political, economic and cultural relations, primarily with the EU and NATO countries, but also with other European countries, the countries of the Mediterranean basin and the most influential members of the international community, while gradually building the European system of values based on the rule of law as a key prerequisite for economic and social development and prosperity. We are also focusing our diplomatic activities on regional cooperation, as one of the pillars of Montenegro’s foreign policy. Our country will continue to give a strong contribution to bolstering regional ties and a more dynamic involvement of the region in the EU through multilateral mechanisms that respect the needs of all countries in the region, the improvement of regional infrastructure, greater mobility of young people and resolution of bilateral issues. One of the key infrastructure projects, the so-called “blue motorway” or the Adriatic-Ionian road – has been incorporated into the agenda of European transatlantic corridors that will be financed by the European Commission, which is undoubtedly an important step for Montenegro, its citizens, investors, the economy and the European future. This year, the Montenegrin economy has recorded impressive progress in almost all sectors, with a growth rate that is among the highest not only in the region, but also in Europe. New jobs were created, Montenegro’s has an excellent reputation in the international financial market, and the country is one of the most attractive tourist and investment destinations. I am pleased to say that, year-on-year, Montenegro and Serbia have been building an increasingly better and more content-rich political dialogue while maintaining regular communication at the highest level. These relationships are further strengthened by common European goals, regional context and mutual commitment to cooperation in these areas. Numerous meetings of top officials, the continuity of the communication between inter-state institutions, bilateral political consultations and expert-level meetings of representatives of the two states just validate the conclusions of our meetings – namely, the relations between the two countries have never been better in the last two decades. The enlargement policy and the European integration process, as a common priority for both Montenegro and Serbia, give us numerous opportunities for bolstering the cooperation and engaging in joint action. There is, of course, a great potential for further improvement of the economic cooperation between the two countries through the implementation of capital projects, the reconstruction of the Belgrade-Bar railroad and the construction of the motorway on the same route, which would facilitate the full utilization of the capacities for the economic cooperation between the two economies, the valorization of mutual tourism potentials and an increase in external trade. I would like to use this opportunity to thank our friend, Serbia, where I am the Head of the Montenegrin diplomatic mission, the EU and NATO members, and all our neighbours and partners for their support on this challenging path that is integration, and to wish that we continue to nurture and promote values such as peace, freedom, multiculturality and democracy in the spirit of our multi-ethnic and multi-confessional Montenegro.