WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
President of the Republic of Moldova Maja Sandu is paying an official visit to Montenegro, at the invitation of President Jakov Milatović. This is the first official visit by a President of Moldova to our country.
Sandu was welcomed by Milatović at the Residence in Cetinje, with the highest state and military honors.
After signing the guest book, a conversation between the two officials and a meeting of the two delegations, a press conference was held.
Milatović said that it was a great honor and pleasure for him to welcome Sandu on a historic visit to Montenegro.
"This visit is a strong confirmation of the friendly relations between our countries and the commitment to European values, cooperation, dialogue and a common European future. As a country that is at the forefront of European integration and has the ambition to become the 28th EU member state by 2028, Montenegro is ready to share with Moldova the experience and knowledge gained in our accession negotiations. Therefore, the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of European integration further confirms our commitment to this goal and provides an institutional framework for our cooperation. Moldova can count on Montenegro as a sincere partner, both today and in the future. Also, as a credible and reliable member of NATO, Montenegro appreciates Moldova's cooperation with the Alliance, which demonstrates this country's commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic security. Our countries share the same views when it comes to key geopolitical issues. We jointly advocate for the rights of each state to choose its own political course and allies. In this spirit, Montenegro strongly supports the territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders. We have the same position when it comes to Ukraine. Montenegro supports the efforts of European and American allies to create conditions for a just and sustainable peace in that country," Milatović said.
"I would like to thank President Sandu for this important visit and the open, substantive and always friendly conversation. I look forward to our future cooperation," he concluded.
Sandu said that she was positively amazed by the hospitality of the citizens of Montenegro.
"Thank you for the way you welcomed me, I want to deepen the relations between our countries, we are united by a vision of values and the belief that we belong to the European Union, where our future lies," she said.
"The future of Moldova and Montenegro and all the countries of the Western Balkans and Ukraine lies precisely in the EU. Today, President Milatović and I discussed our common European path. The enlargement of the European Union is an investment in that path, an investment in the future and prosperity of the whole of Europe. The accession of Moldova and Montenegro to the European Union would also strengthen the Union itself as a whole, because we bring with us the energy of our citizens, the ambition for reforms and the solidarity and resilience of societies that have chosen the path of freedom, democracy and the rule of law," said Sandu.
"We also discussed deepening bilateral relations in various areas, such as tourism. We will also work to share the rich cultural heritage that our countries have. Cybersecurity is an area in which I am particularly interested in cooperation," she stressed.
She believes that there is a strong potential for both Moldova and Montenegro to join forces in this regard and to work together with the European Union to build resilience and protect institutions.
"We are aware that what is required is not simple, but we are committed to fulfilling it. So, we are not looking for any shortcuts, we are looking to join the European Union and to contribute to the future of that organization in a meaningful way. So, that implies partnership and friendship. We are not competitors, but we need to be in solidarity, and our success is not only possible, but also within reach. Together we will make it a reality," concluded Sandu.
Responding to media questions, Milatović said that he often talks about dynamics, especially in the context of the reform agenda on the domestic front.
"I think that this dynamic is quite slow. I think that in the past two years we could have closed a lot more than three negotiation chapters. And I think that in the middle of this year, after the next Intergovernmental Conference, we would have to draw a line and if this dynamic is not good, I think that someone would have to bear political responsibility.
Montenegro has no time to waste, no time for politics that is not sufficiently responsible and serious, and Montenegrin citizens have no time for things that divert the country from the European path. So in that sense, my expectations are absolutely that things will speed up," said the President.
"As for the European path, I have said many times that Montenegro, as the most advanced country, should first work more on the internal front, because it seems to me at the moment that many more Europeans would like to see Montenegro as part of the European Union than we are trying to deliver certain reforms here in Montenegro. I do not see "...that nothing has been done when it comes to the Law on the Assembly, when it comes to the reform of electoral legislation, when it comes to many important things that are part of the reform package. I think the focus really has to be on that, but I also always say that Montenegro looks forward to any progress of all other candidate countries, including Moldova," Milatović concluded.
