The Western Balkans are a missing puzzle piece, without which Europe is incomplete, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović at the 14th Dubrovnik Forum entitled "(Post) – Pandemic Geopolitics – Together in a World Apart", in which he participates at the invitation of Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman.

Within the panel "The international community and the Western Balkans: How to end the quarantine", Minister Radulović said that Montenegro, as a NATO member, remains true to its principles, namely peace and stability in the region, European values and the main foreign policy goal – membership in the European Union.

The focus of the Forum is the impact of the pandemic on geopolitical relations and the global economy, as well as priorities and guidelines for post-pandemic recovery and exit from the crisis. According to Minister Radulović, during the difficult period of the health crisis, the EU was the place where solidarity and understanding were generated.

Minister Radulović noted that "Together in a World Apart" points to the importance of unity, because the pandemic has slowed down certain political and economic mechanisms at the global level. Therefore, as he stated, we must react decisively and continue reforms.

The role of the EU and the international community in the reform process of the Western Balkans is undoubtedly of great importance, he said, adding that the European Commission's reports should not be seen as criticism, but as the best advice for achieving our goal - the EU membership.

Minister Radulović referred to the importance of the cohesion of the countries of the Region in the period of recovery and exit from the crisis, as well as its importance in the European context, which is confirmed by the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

During the Forum, as well as on its margins, Minister Radulović met with officials from countries in the region and the EU.

The meeting with Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean Nasser Kamel emphasised Montenegro's commitment to good neighbourly relations, as well as cooperation within regional and international organisations.

In a conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, the Montenegrin Foreign Minister expressed the expectation that bilateral cooperation would be further strengthened.

Minister Radulović also met with Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias. The two ministers confirmed good and friendly relations between the two countries, accompanied by intensive political dialogue at the highest level. Greece's strong support for Montenegro's European goals was emphasised once again.

During a meeting with High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt, Minister Radulović noted that Montenegro supports his mandate to monitor the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The meeting stated that a stable region is a precondition for the prosperity of all its countries, and that the EU's support in integration processes is a condition for economic, infrastructural and any other development of the region.