Jerusalem: Celebration of 10th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence and establishment of Montenegro-Israel diplomatic relations

PHOTO GALLERY

Jerusalem, Israel (26 July 2016) -- Chief Political Adviser to Prime Minister of Montenegro Milan Roćen participated last night in Jerusalem in the reception hosted by Honorary Consul of Montenegro to Israel Nimrod Rinot in honour of the 10th anniversary of restoration of Montenegro’s independence and establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.

Reception and exhibition of photographs with motives from Montenegro by famous photographer Sharon Gabay were organised in the prestigious House of Arts, and attended by numerous guests, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, the City of Jerusalem, Israir Airlines, which established this April direct flights between Tel Aviv and Podgorica and Tivat, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished public figures of Israel.

Honorary Consul Rinot Nimrod, Head of the Department for the Balkans in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel Dan Oryan, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Ofer Berkovich, CEO of the Israir Airlines Uri Sirkis and Photographer Sharon Gabay spoke about the importance of the jubilee and the friendship between the two countries. They all concluded that Montenegro has achieved great progress over the last 10 years in its democratic and economic development, and European and Euro-Atlantic accession, at the same time building strong friendship with the Israel, which is the proper recommendations for strengthening cooperation in the all areas of mutual interest. Montenegro is a small country with a great history, and a friend of Israel, said Nimrod Rinot, noting he is honored to be its Honorary Consul.

Chief Executive Officer of the Israir Airlines Uri Sirkis emphasised that the first results after the establishment of direct links with Montenegro are more than encouraging and that they plan to establish 4 instead of 2 flights a week, adding that twenty thousand tourists from Israel are expected to visit Montenegro this year.

In his address, Chief Adviser Roćen conveyed greetings from Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović and thanked the Honorary Consul for his exceptional contribution to strengthening bilateral ties, as well as for the organisation of this important event in honour of the Montenegrin jubilee and the first decade of the establishment of diplomatic relations in such a prestigious place, a city that is the cradle of civilisation.

He stressed that we can be proud of the achievements at the bilateral level during the past decade. He recalled that seven years ago, a visa-free regime was introduced between Israel and Montenegro, the first Jewish community in Montenegro was established, the first Jewish library was opened, as well as the first synagogue, and that Judaism become an official religion in Montenegro. He also expressed satisfaction that Montenegro, together with Israel, the United States and Canada, was a co-sponsor of the cult exhibition titled "People, Book, Land: The 3,500 Year Relationship of the Jewish People with the Holy Land," which was organised in Paris two years ago, and in Montenegro in early 2016. Stressing the importance of cooperation in the field of tourism, Adviser Roćen said that contacts have been established in almost all area as well.

Recalling of Cesare Tondini de Quarenghi's words of the 19th century that the Montenegrins wrote their history in blood, while other nations were writing their history in pen, and that they did not have time to read what others wrote about them, let alone to write about themselves, Adviser Roćen said that today's generation in Montenegro is writing their history in pen and restored independence in pen. Montenegro is on NATO doorstep, in advanced negotiations with the EU and in excellent relations with all its neighbours, he stressed.

Mr Roćen particularly highlighted the future of the Montenegrin - Israeli relations, stressing that we live in a digital age, and that Israel is a world leader in information technology, which gives us an additional opportunity to better connect and get to know each other.

The entire event was marked by accentuated emotions and satisfaction with exceptional friendship between the two countries.