Minister Darmanović in Skopje: Regional integration is important for European perspective

Skopje, Republic of Macedonia (11 November 2017) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia Nikola Dimitrov, during his official visit to Skopje.

The officials assessed that there are no open issues between Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia, and that the relations between the two countries represent an example of excellent cooperation in the region.

Minister Darmanović emphasised that one of the priorities of the US-Adriatic Charter presidency, which Montenegro assumes from Macedonia on 1 January 2018, will be to support Macedonian membership in NATO.

The meeting concluded that there are possibilities for improvement of economic cooperation, through the announced formation of the Mixed Commission for Economic Cooperation of Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia.

In this context, the forthcoming opening of the Consulate of Montenegro, led by the Honorary Consul in Štip, is expected to give a significant impetus to the strengthening of the overall ties.

In addition to the host, the Montenegrin Minister also met with the President of the Republic of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov. On this occasion, it was pointed out that the relations between the two countries are characterised not only by cooperation in many areas, but also by maintaining a frequent political dialogue.

Minister Darmanović reiterated Montenegro's willingness to convey experiences from the current integration processes to Macedonia with a view to better and faster fulfillment of the conditions and achievement of standards for full membership in NATO and the EU.

In this connection, the officials discussed the importance of joint participation in regional initiatives such as the Berlin Process.

Speaking with Speaker of the Parliament Talat Xhaferi, the two officials estimated that the two countries have a common goal – to join the European Union, and in that sense, Montenegro’s experiences will be significant for Macedonia.

During his official visit to Skopje, the Montenegrin Foreign Minister also met with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who emphasised that the relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia are developing for the benefit of the citizens of the two countries and that regional integration is important for the European perspective.

The conversation highlighted the importance of the initiative to establish a Skopje-Podgorica-Sarajevo airline.

During the meeting, opinions on the current affairs in the Western Balkans and the role of the region in preserving wider European stability were exchanged.

After meetings with top Macedonian officials, Minister Darmanović spoke with the Honorary Consuls of Montenegro in Macedonia, Milorad Andrijašević and Branko Azeski, and the presidents of the two emigrant communities, Boris Popivoda and Medo Balić.