Statement by Director of the Directorate for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Miroslav Šćepanović

The statement by Alexander Chepurin, Russian Ambassador to Serbia, if accurately conveyed by the media, is absolutely unacceptable, irresponsible, and goes entirely against the standards of respect and appropriateness in diplomatic and state communication.

We believe that this statement, which questions foreign policy priorities and values to which Montenegro aspires as candidate for EU and NATO membership, in no way reflects the traditionally good political and diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Russia, nor expresses the character, principles, and objectives of Russia’s policy in international relations.

Moreover, the fact that this statement was made at a public event, in a third country, the neighbouring Serbia, makes it difficult to accept it as a friendly and partner-like contribution to cooperation and stability in the region.