Catania: Montenegro takes over chairmanship of Adriatic and Ionian initiative

Catania, Italy (24 May 2018) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participated today in Catania in the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Adriatic and Ionian initiative (AII) and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).

On this occasion, Montenegro took over from Italy one-year chairmanship of the Adriatic and Ionian initiative and EUSAIR, which will officially start on 1 June 2018.

During the presentation, Minister Darmanović said that the Montenegrin presidency will focus on further developing the ties between the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative and the European Union, as well as promoting European standards and values.

"I would like to emphasise our strong intention to continue to foster good neighborly relations and cooperation, in order to accelerate the development and growth in the region," the Minister noted.

He said that activities during the Montenegrin presidency will be focused on cooperation in areas of common interest at the regional level, especially in maritime, transport and energy sectors, sustainable tourism and culture, environmental protection and education.

During the ministerial meeting in Catania, a Declaration was adopted, reflecting the shared commitment to cooperation within the framework of the AII and the integration process.

Minister Darmanović welcomed Macedonia's accession to the AII, expressing the belief that their contribution would be important for the future work.

This meeting was attended by representatives of the European Commission and nine member states of the AII: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Croatia, Italia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs