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Minister Darmanović in interview with Mina: EU wil...
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Minister Darmanović in interview with Mina: EU will not lose sight of importance of enlargement policy
Published on: Apr 26, 2020 • 7:48 PM Author: PR Service
The European Union, while facing the consequences of a novel coronavirus pandemic that will not be easy, will not lose sight of the importance of enlargement policy, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović.
In an interview with MINA, Darmanović said that the USA will continue to play a role, as always, in the Western Balkans' long-term stability, as well as in its economic recovery from the crisis.
Darmanović said that during the crisis, the EU was able to make the long-awaited decision to open negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, which is a major step forward for the region and which Montenegro warmly welcomed.
"That decision showed that the EU was capable of thinking strategically in the time of the pandemic, and that Brussels had clearly demonstrated its geo-political interest in the Western Balkans. That is an encouraging message," Darmanović said.
He assessed that the current Croatian Presidency is a strong promoter of Montenegrin efforts within the European agenda.
He stated that Montenegro's task is to continue its obligations in achieving European standards and internal reforms that bring the country closer to the most important remaining foreign policy goal - EU membership.
He said that the EU donation of EUR 3 million for the procurement of medical equipment, as well as another EUR 50 million for the long-term programme, was by far the largest Montenegro received in this period.
Darmanović believes that the European Commission has also demonstrated solidarity with the recent decision to accept the initiative of the Western Balkan Foreign Ministers to exempt our region from the EU restrictions on the export of medicinal products for personal protection.
"Montenegro once again proved to be a mature and trustworthy partner of the EU, engaging all its capacities to make a full contribution. I believe this has been recognised by our partners," Darmanović said.
He said that EU donations – EUR 3 million to purchase equipment and protective equipment and another EUR 50 million to help overcome the socio-economic effects of the crisis, testify that Brussels and the international community are also supporting Montenegro in the most difficult times facing the world.
"The donation of the US Embassy (three monitors to the Clinical Center of Montenegro) and the US assistance of USD 300 thousand for the needs of the Montenegrin health system showed solidarity, alliance and cooperation and further strengthened partnership between our countries," Darmanović said.
For full interview in Montenegrin please click here.
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