PM Djukanovic calls for closer ties and cross-border cooperation with Croatia, underlines importance of multiethnic harmony in region

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic expressed support for an initiative towards further enhancement of relations between Montenegro and Croatia at the meeting with President of the Dubrovnik Association of Volunteers in the Homeland War Igor Zuvela and President of the Croatian Civic Society Ivan Ilic on Wednesday, October 20. He underlined that in this respect the cross-border cooperation led by the two neighboring cities of Herceg Novi and Dubrovnik should play an important role.
PM Djukanovic said that the history of the Balkans should not be a burden to cooperation, but warn and teach the countries of the region of the critical importance of learning more about each other. He said this would be a significant step, paving the way for friendly and cooperative life side-by-side, which is the common long-term orientation and a guarantee that the conflicts in the region will not recur. PM Djukanovic emphasized that it is crucial that the mistakes of 1990s are not repeated, especially for the sake of the generations to come.
The Prime Minister pointed to the excellent support and cooperation of the Croatian national community in all important state matters in Montenegro. He expressed a belief that the two countries and two peoples will continue to live in harmony and cherish the multiethnic unity in the region, which according to him proves that the region can be a part of the united European society. The PM reiterated that an integral part of this discourse is good neighbourly cooperation built on mutual respect. In this regard he underlined that Montenegro has no open issues with its neighbours, save for the Prevlaka peninsula, which neither Montenegro nor Croatia perceive as an issue burdening the bilateral relations, but one that will be resolved to mutual benefit.
Mr Zuvela said it was his honor to meet with PM Djukanovic, and praised his leadership in building a modern democratic society, achieving national independence and steering the country toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He emphasized that since independence the relations between Montenegro and Croatia have improved, as well as the lives of respective minorities in both countries. Regarding the conflict of the 1990s, Mr Zuvela said that is important to realize what had happened, forgive and make every effort to ensure that it never happens again.
Both sides agreed that it is necessary to build bridges of cooperation, and President Žuvela said he has initiated a visit for the children of Slano, Croatia, to Cetinje, Montenegro, which Prime Minister Djukanovic readily supported.