Radulović and Gjelstad: Scandinavian model as role for the good regional cooperation

„Bilateral relations of Montenegro and Norway are good and friendly, based on principles of openness and alliance within NATO, where there is great potential for their further improvement, as well as dynamizing of political dialogue”, Foreign Minister Đorđe Radulović stated during the meeting with non-resident Ambassador of Kingdom of Norway in Montenegro, residing in Belgrade, Jørn Gjelstad.

Minister Radulović informed Norwegian Ambassador that in the focus of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concept of economic diplomacy with aim to attract credible investments.

“Norway has done a lot in the telecommunication area in our country, and we believe that IT sector offers a lot potential for connecting our two countries”, he stated, while highlighting that there is a great space for improvement of cooperation in the field of tourism, including health one.

In that context, he informed collocutor with significantly better epidemiologic situation, as well as with fact that our country, accordingly with number of citizens, is leader in Europe in the last few days, with numbers of vaccinated people.

Head of Montenegrin diplomacy stated that, even if we are geographically far away, we look up to the Scandinavian model of cooperation with neighboring countries. In that regard, he explained that that direction is very important for Montenegro, having in mind that exactly connecting with close states, particularly in the area of economy, is one of the strategic priorities. In that context, as he stated, the fact that Montenegro is part of the Berlin process, as well as the Regional Cooperation Council, is very important, thus that engagement of Western Balkans’ countries in those initiatives represents good basis for further progress and evident results for citizens.

Ambassador Gjelstad welcomed efforts of Montenegro in that direction, stressing that Norway and neighboring countries deeply believe that free market contributed to the solidarity and prosperity in that part of Europe.

He stated that Head of Norwegian diplomacy Ine Eriksen Søreide informed with friendly and productive talk with Minister Radulović, as well as that his state strongly supports European integration of Montenegro. On that line, he expressed readiness of Norway to provide expertise through development projects that correspond with strategic priorities of our Government, in first line goals of economic development and process of European integration.

Two diplomats welcomed ally cooperation between Montenegro and Norway within NATO, while Minister Radulović has emphasized valued Norwegian donation of medical equipment as example of solidarity, which is appreciated in the time when whole world is facing with pandemic COVID-19.