Minister Radulović in Athens: Economic development is priority, Greece wants to see Montenegro in the European Union

Friendly and ally relations between Montenegro and Republic of Greece are based on intensify political dialogue and constructive cooperation, as well as on firm commitment to strengthen our economic relations – has been appraised during official visit to Athens, at the meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović with Head of Greek diplomacy Nikos Dendias.

Minister Radulović stated that Greece represents proven partner and close neighbor, thus promoter of the European perspective, reflected in continued political and expert support to Montenegro. Collocutors stated that two countries are marking 140 years from establishing diplomatic relations this year, that represents additional impulse to the improvement of relations.

Minister Dendias stated that Greece support European perspective of Montenegro, and appraised Montenegrin government because of reforms in the area of rule of law and fight against corruption. “Greece is with you in aspiration to become part of the EU family”, he stated, while emphasizing that his country is ready to provide technical assistance in pre-accession negotiations to our country. He stressed that EU must send clear message of support to the Western Balkans, as well as that that attitude should be emphasized at next Council of Foreign Affairs.

It has been jointly appraised that constructive bilateral affairs should be empowered with new modalities of cooperation in the field of investment, trade exchange, tourism, agriculture and defense. Minister stressed the importance of continuation of exchange experience in tourism, bearing in mind rich expertise of Greece and orientation of Montenegro as tourism destination.  

On that line, he expressed pleasure with planned opening of Montenegrin Consulate in Greece, in Thessaloniki, headed by Honorary Consul, that will contribute to the further intensification of trade and cultural cooperation.

Speaking about alliance within NATO, Minister Radulović said that Montenegro particularly appreciates the fact that Greece, together with Italy, is carrier of Program of Air Space Protection of Montenegro. Head of diplomacies considered possibility to hold bilateral consultations of two ministries of foreign affairs this year, along with cooperation of diplomatic academies. On that line, the initiative of Greek side for staging of our diplomats in their Ministry was discussed, and Minister Dendias announced the decision of the Greek government for establishing annual reward for Montenegrin citizens of local military schools.

During the visit to Athens the meeting with director of political Cabinet of Greek Prime Minister, Ambassador Eleni Sourani was realized, at which has been stated that two countries have qualitative political dialogue, that has been witnessed with this, as well as with planned visit of Prime Minister Krivokapić to Greece during May. Sourani expressed the pleasure that during the participation of Montenegrin Prime Minister at Delta forum, the meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis will be organized. She emphasized that beside excellent cooperation in the field of defense, there is great potential for improvement in the areas of economy and tourism.

Montenegrin head of diplomacy also met with Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoianis. During the meeting with first man of Athens, Minister Radulović invited for continued linking of Montenegrin and Greek municipalities through town-twinning and realization of joint projects within EU programs. He stressed the importance of communication of local parliaments of two capitals, aiming at best practice exchange. Mayor Bakoianis highlighted that Athens and Podgorica have many similarities, but also the same problems, such as spatial planning. He stressed that there are many potentials for cooperation, particularly in the areas of health, culture, and connecting of young people. In that regard he proposed signing of Agreement on Cooperation.

He also expressed interest for meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Krivokapić and ministers of finance and economic development, so they can consider concrete cooperation modalities.

During visit to Athens, Minister Radulović also talked with President of Permanent Committee for National Defense and Foreign Affairs Konstantinos Gkioulekas. On that occasion, the need for additional empowerment of parliamentary cooperation was stressed, while Minister Radulović informed about attention of Parliament of Montenegro to form Group of Friendship with Greek Assembly.

Minister Radulović has laid wreath on Monument of Greek national hero and general Vaso Brajović Mavrovuniotis.

FOTO i VIDEO: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vladacg/albums/72157719012528087