Radev: Montenegro's Progress in European Integration Is Positive Example for Western Balkans
2023-02-20 16:44:00
Montenegrin President pays formal visit at the invitation of Bulgarian head of State
Montenegro is the most advanced in the European integration process among the Western Balkan countries and Bulgaria will continue to support it so that Montenegro is the next country in the region to join the EU, hhead of State Rumen Radev said at a meeting with Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of the Bulgarian president. He was welcomed with an official ceremony at St Alexander Nevsky Sq. in Sofia. Later in the day, the two presidents paid tribute at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Radev and Djukanovic held a one-to-one meeting and chaired plenary talks between the official delegations of Bulgaria and Montenegro.
Deep historical ties and shared values, common responsibilities, and common opportunities to work together for security, peace, and regional prosperity bind Montenegro and Bulgaria, the Bulgarian President said. He recalled that each of the countries in the Western Balkans, which had declared ambitions for EU membership, should respect the commitments and criteria established in the EU, the principles of good-neighbourliness and respect for human rights. He expressed the hope that Montenegro would continue to set a positive example for the whole region by implementing the necessary reforms in the process of European integration.
Djukanovic in turn expressed gratitude for Bulgaria's active support for Montenegro's European integration. It is important to have the support of those who know us best, Djukanovic said and highlighted the significant role of this country within the EU for Montenegro's progress on the path to full EU membership. In the Montenegrin President's words, European integration is a top priority for the country after the 2006 restoration of its independence and there is no alternative to the European path for Montenegro as a factor for its modernisation and its security.
The Bulgarian head of State highlighted the improvement of transport connectivity as a key factor for relations between the two countries, which could contribute to deeper cooperation in all other areas of bilateral concern. In his words, Bulgaria and Montenegro have not yet exploited all opportunities, including European instruments and mechanisms, so that they could rely much more quickly on both land and direct air connectivity. The implementation of Transport Corridor 8 is a top priority and should be accelerated, is the common position of both countries.
Cooperation in education was also among the topics discussed during the talks. Montenegro and Bulgaria are actively working on the initiative to establish an International Institute for Sustainable Technologies in Southeast Europe with the support of CERN, which will create qualitatively new opportunities in education, science and medicine.
The two Presidents highlighted the good interaction between Bulgaria and Montenegro within NATO, including the participation of Montenegrin troops in the Multinational Battlegroup on Bulgarian territory. The two Presidents expressed their support for the sovereignty, the independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for diplomatic efforts to end the war as soon as possible, which continues to take new casualties and generate a growing security risk in Europe with negative impacts for the economy, social systems and energy of European countries.
Radev and Djukanovic highlighted the potential of the bilateral economic partnership, in the production of components for the automotive industry, in education, science, and culture.
During his visit to Bulgaria, President Djukanovic also met with Prime Minister Galab Donev.
