Agreement on Chinese Government's donation for reconstruction of Đurđevića Tara bridge signed

Podgorica, Montenegro (9 May 2017) – Đurđevića Tara bridge, whose reconstruction will be financed by a donation of the Chinese Government, will be another bridge of friendship and cooperation between China and Montenegro. It was concluded earlier today during the signing of the agreement on economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement, according to which the Chinese Government is awarding a grant amounting to 20 million Chinese yuan, or EUR 2.65 million, was signed by Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Milutin Simović and Chinese Ambassador Cui Zhiwei.

Chinese Ambassador Cui Zhiwei commended the Montenegrin Government’s efforts towards promoting friendship and cooperation between the two countries, highlighting that the reconstruction of the bridge on Tara River has a great historical significance in terms of boosting traditional friendship between the two peoples and promoting cooperation and increasing the number of the Chinese tourists.

"In addition to being an important traffic hub in the north of Montenegro and having tourist potential, Đurđevića Tara bridge has historical significance and carries a fighting spirit, having in mind that during the Second World War it played an important role in the fight against fascism," said Ambassador Zhiwei, reminding of the fact that the film entitled “The Bridge,” which was filmed in this location, is still very popular among the Chinese people.

"We can say that this bridge connects the hearts of Chinese and Montenegrin peoples, and that is a reflection of their traditional friendship," the Ambassador underlined.

He reiterated the importance of the "Belt and Road" and "16 + 1" initiatives, as cooperation mechanisms which enabled China and Montenegro to maintain mutual political trust, understanding and support for issues related to major concerns and national interests at a high level. He also underlined the importance of the the Chinese Government’s assistance in improving the quality of life throughout Montenegro, including substantial donations.

Deputy Prime Minister Milutin Simovi' said that the new Chinese Government’s donation for the reconstruction of the bridge on Tara River is a China's new friendly gesture and a bridge of friendship, trust and cooperation with Montenegro.

"The bridge is a universal symbol, a symbol of the desire to bridge the differences and make people live together", said DPM Simović, adding that this project carries the symbolism of today's Montenegro.

"While our China’s partners are constructing a new bridge in Montenegro, namely the Moračića bridge, which will be a construction venture and decoration of the motoway, our friends are beginning to implement the project of reconstruction of an old majestic bridge such as the one on Tara River. It seems to me this it speaks about today’s Montenegro – a modern, European and Euro-Atlantic country. It speaks about Montenegro who wants to preserve the old bridges, but also to build new ones. This in the best interest of all the citizens of Montenegro, which has been recognised in the region for its commitment when it comes to building bridges of trust and cooperation with the region and beyond. This is why it is no coincidence that Montenegro has received the title of an architect of regional stability," Deputy Prime minister Simović concluded.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO