President Milanović in Cetinje: I Came here to Support Montenegro on its European Path
At the invitation of the President of the Montenegro Milo Đukanović, the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović is on a two-day Official visit to Montenegro, which began with an official welcome ceremony for the President of the Republic of Croatia in the residence of the President of Montenegro in Cetinje. After a tête-à-tête between the two presidents and a bilateral meeting of the delegations of the Republic of Croatia and Montenegro, the two presidents held a press conference.
Following talks with Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović, President Milanović said that he believes Montenegro will be the first next member of the European Union and that he came to support Montenegro on this path.
“Montenegro is closest to EU membership, others are also close, but Montenegro is the closest. At the start of negotiations with the EU, your country clearly and irreversibly opted for the characteristics of western society and State – namely, rule of law, an independent judiciary, independent and free media, an independent research academy and university. That’s the foundation of a true democracy. Once this is achieved, success is guaranteed. Montenegro will likely be the first next member of the European Union”, President Milanović stated, expressing hope that his next visit would be to “a completely European Montenegro”.
Noting that he is pleased to be once again in Cetinje after 39 years, President Milanović said that, although Montenegro will soon hold an election, he did not come to give support to any of the political parties but solely to support Montenegro’s EU path.
Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović said that this visit had been announced before the coronavirus outbreak, and that he is glad that the President of Croatia is a guest of Montenegro. He thanked Croatia for its support to Montenegro, adding that at the end of the Croatian presidency of the Council of the European Union the whole of the Western Balkans region is a step closer to EU membership.
“Croatia has provided continued support in overcoming obstacles in EU accession negotiations. Montenegro is part of the Croatian contingent in Afghanistan. We are grateful for its support in successfully overcoming the pandemic. We have received a donation from Croatia. There remain many challenges and possibilities for cooperation in the time ahead,” Montenegrin President Đukanović said.
Answering questions from the press about the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on the two countries’ economies, which are heavily dependent on tourism, the two presidents agreed that efforts should be made to reduce this year’s losses as much as possible.
Answering questions from the press about the chances of the election being delayed due to the increase in coronavirus cases in Croatia, President Milanović replied: “The election in Croatia is set for 5th July. I have called it for that date and I don’t know how that is changed in a democratic country. Honestly, I haven’t even thought about it and now is not the time to say that I suggested or indicated that perhaps this is not the best date for Parliament’s dissolution, but now that it has been dissolved, we have to go to the polls”.
Asked why the Croatian President had arrived aboard the naval ship “Omiš”, Milanović replied: “I didn’t come on a tank,” and noted that the Omiš is a Croatian Navy patrol vessel, is no threat to anyone, and is “a 50-metre boat built in Croatia”.
“I think that my hosts too received me with affection, and I would be happy to be able to receive my Montenegrin friends in a similar way in Dubrovnik or Split,” the President of the Republic said.
After the press conference, Presidents Milanović and Đukanović visited the Museum of King Nikola in Cetinje. In Podgorica, President Milanović is due to meet with executives of Croatian companies operating in Montenegro.
HINA
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan