Minister Radulovic at EUSAIR Ministerial meeting: Montenegro dedicated to development of regional cooperation mechanisms

Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović participated today at Ministerial meeting of the EU Strategy for Adriatic – Ionian region (EUSAIR), within the Council of the Adriatic – Ionian Initiative (AII), held in online form, during Slovenian presidency over this body.

The meeting was opened by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Anže Logar, who stressed the importance of connecting and synergy of EUSAIR and EU Council priorities, as well as of a unique approach to their implementation, being related to maintaining stability in the region, reform processes and sustainable economic development. “During Slovenian presidency over the Strategy, special importance has been focused on activities that correspond with EU enlargement process, with emphasis on Western Balkans’ region”, Head of Slovenian diplomacy highlighted.

Within opening remarks part, Secretary General of AII Giovani Castellaneta emphasized that EUSAIR priorities will remain complementary with further integration of Western Balkans. He also added that during Slovenian presidency the importance of including civil sector and business community in overall process has been highlighted, as well as role of youth and women, which has been recognized as significant input to defining additional activities in Strategy framework.

Minister Radulović emphasized that the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative has been and remained platform for dialogue, understanding and cooperation; and along with the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region an essential cohesive factor in creating a more prosperous region and promoting a clear EU perspective. He added that Montenegrin active role in regional initiatives represents an important incentive and tool in the process of EU enlargement as well as benefit to the cooperation dimension of cohesion policy. “Montenegro is firmly resolved to be part of the European system of values, that we are proving with further improvement of good neighborly relations and active engagement within numerous regional organizations”, Head of Montenegrin diplomacy stressed. He also underlined example of presiding Montenegro over the Central-European Initiative (CEI) two years in a row, indicating our commitment to the regional cooperation. 

“It is particularly important to emphasize on joint cooperation of EUSAIR member states through four thematic pillars, of which special importance for us has Blue growth, that we are coordinating together with Greece”, minister Radulović stressed. Preserving of marine ecosystem and their sustainable development, as he said, is priority. “Common aim of all participants is including EUSAIR priorities in key IPA III program documents, as well as their realization and funding within seven-years framework”, Head of Montenegrin diplomacy added. He also expressed gratitude to Slovenia on constructive and successful presiding over Strategy, within which initiative of connecting EUSAIR with EU Economic and Investment Plan for Western Balkan has been initiated. “This is the time when we need to act together in aim to recover and create pre-conditions for better future”, minister Radulović concluded.

Izola Declaration has been adopted at the meeting, confirming dedication of EUSAIR member states to additional development of regional cooperation, valorization of joint potentials, green economy, including youth in activities of Strategy and other priorities of common interest. During the meeting delivering of presidency over EUSAIR to the Republic of Albania on annual level has been announced.