FM Darmanović: I believe that Kosovo's impugning of border will not affect our relations

Podgorica, Montenegro (7 November 2017) -- Montenegro and Kosovo have developed good relations in all fields, as well as good bilateral relations and cooperation within regional and other organisations. Therefore, it is not realistic for Kosovo's claims about the disputable border to cause deterioration in relations between the two countries, said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srđan Darmanović while making a guest appearance on national broadcaster TVCG.

"We have developed very good relations with Kosovo in all fields and very friendly cooperation within regional and other organisations, as well as good bilateral relations. I believe that all this will guide our actions in this particular matter as well," Minister Darmanović underlined.

When asked to comment on the current situation regarding the border demarcation between Montenegro and Kosovo, Minister Darmanović stressed that it was an old border within Yugoslavia that has never been brought into question, reiterating that Montenegro will not be getting back to this matter any more.

"This is an old border within Yugoslavia, which has never been questioned, and which was confirmed by not only one but two international commissions. Montenegrin and Kosovar officials signed an international agreement in the atmosphere of mutual understanding and good faith in Vienna in 2015. As required by good practices and rules of the international law, Montenegro ratified the agreement in its parliament without any problems. As far as Montenegro is concerned, there will be no getting back to this matter any more. To sum up, we ratified an international agreement that was supported by both sides," Minister Darmanović noted.

Head of the Montenegrin diplomacy stated, answering the question about the interim agreement between Montenegro and Croatia, that it has been working very well for 15 years and that it does not bring into question the fairly good relations between the two countries.

"The interim agreement has been working well and does not in any way undermine the excellent friendly and partnership relations between the two countries. You know that Croatia helped our NATO bid and it continues to provide assistance when it comes to our European agenda as well," said Minister Darmanović.

Answering the question about the obligations and priorities of Montenegro after joining NATO, the Foreign Minister underscored that even before full membership, Montenegro established very active cooperation with NATO and that the primary role of Montenegro within the Alliance would be within the region we live in.

"Our primary role will be within the region we live in ... We are certainly interested in our region’s gaining added stability by expanding NATO in this area and we are very willing to support the aspirations of our neighbours and friends from the region who have similar plans as we had. We are, therefore, ready to provide expert and partnership assistance, as well as political support, primarily to Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina at this moment, which are certainly obliged to meet a number of requirements," Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović concluded.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO