DPM Ivanović meets Chinese counterpart Ma Kai: China views Montenegro as friend, supports EU bid

On the second day of his visit to China, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Petar Ivanovic met with his Chinese counterpart Ma Kai.

The Chinese Deputy Prime Minister thanked Montenegro for its support at bilateral and multilateral levels, as well as within the "16 + 1" initiative, and reiterated importance of the high-level meetings, which were attended by Prime Minister Milo Đukanović and President Filip Vujanovic.

"Montenegro is pursuing a good neighbour policy and we appreciate it very much. We believe that all countries are equal, regardless of their size. We support Montenegro's efforts towards becoming a full-fledged member of the EU. China views Montenegro as a friend and partner in the good neighbour policy in South Eastern Europe. In the economic sphere, we express willingness to establish concrete cooperation in infrastructure, energy, environmental protection and agriculture. The'16 +1' format provides enough space for all initiatives. China has been implementing a new concept of development based on the synergy of strategies and new models of cooperation resting on innovation, transparency and involvement of all," Mr Kai stressed.

DPM Ivanović informed his Chinese counterpart about political situation in Montenegro, the fact that Niksic has signed a twinning agreement with Baoding, and that the local leaders meeting of China - Central Eastern European countries is attended by representatives of Cetinje and Bijelo Polje. He proposed to continue cooperation at three levels: bilateral, local and within the "16 + 1" initiative. Mr Ivanović thanked China for its support for Montenegro's independent choices, especially in the area of European integration.

"Montenegro takes part in all initiatives within the '16 +1' format. I think it is the right track. This format is an outstanding opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation in which Montenegro plays an active role. I believe in the bright future of our relations. We must turn to more intensive cooperation of young people. Our task is to open as many doors of cooperation as possible through which young people will go through. We know that innovation and entrepreneurship are the basis of future development of China and we want to apply the same concept in Montenegro as well. Your support would mean a lot for the acceleration of our development. In terms of economic cooperation, we are willing to create additional opportunities in the fields of energy, infrastructure, tourism and agriculture," the Montenegro Deputy Prime Minister concluded.