Ministers Radulović and Grlić Radman: Montenegro and Croatia are close neighbors and friends, concretize cooperation on economic level

“Croatia is close neighbor, ally and friend, and we extremely appreciate your support in achieving our strategic foreign policy goals”, Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović stated during today’s meeting with Croatian colleague Gordan Grlić Radman, within his official visit to Montenegro.

Minister Radulović emphasized importance of intensive dialogue between friendly states, Montenegro and Croatia, which relations are characterized by fruitful cooperation and alliance in NATO. “Montenegro do not forget the fact that we opened the last negotiation chapter during Croatian presidency over EU Council, in the year that was marked by COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to commitment of our friends for actualization of enlargement process in the most challenging times”, he stressed. Head of Montenegrin diplomacy also added that Montenegro and Croatia represent symbol of excellent bilateral relations, that resolve potential open issues in the spirit of good neighborhood and open dialogue. He also expressed gratitude for Croatian donation in form of 10.000 vaccines against corona-virus, as another proof of solidarity and friendship.

Cooperation in economy and tourism domain should be basis of further improvement of our ties, while two economies are not competitive but complementary, having in mind that we belong to Mediterranean area – collocutors appraised.  On that line, the importance of announced meeting of representatives of trade chambers and ministries in charge of two countries, that should be held in September this year in Dubrovnik, aiming at connecting and defining concrete areas of cooperation, has been emphasized. “The announced opening of Ryan Air lines on Podgorica – Zagreb route will be additional impulse to the tourism development, as pillar of our economies”, Minister Radulović stated. 

In the context of activities directed towards strengthening of bilateral relations, two ministers signed today Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro and Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, which stipulates training of diplomats. “That is additional incentive to further professionalization of diplomatic service in accordance with defined priorities of the Ministry”, Head of Montenegrin diplomacy appraised.

Minister Grlić Radman stressed the significance of open and friendly relation of two countries, thus reminded that it dated even from times of ex-Yugoslavia. “Constructive dialogue is crucial, and Montenegro can count on undoubtable support of Croatia, in its further efforts in EU path”, he emphasized. Head of Croatian diplomacy added that EU integration process of Western Balkan will be one of key topics at meeting of the EU Council for Foreign Affairs, that will be held on May 10^th, where Croatia will particularly put emphasis on Montenegrin EU path.

“We principally appreciate solidarity Montenegro showed during earthquake in Petrinja and Sisak – Moslavina county, in last year, as good neighbor and proved friend”, Minister Grlić Radman stated.

Collocutors also stressed the excellent cooperation in various regional initiatives, as well as at multilateral level. During the meeting, Head of Croatian diplomacy delivered to his Montenegrin colleague for attendance on Dubrovnik Forum for Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in July this year.