By facing what this year has brought us, we have become more mature, wiser to solve old dilemmas, more ready for what will come our way. It was a year full of challenges, but also readiness and vision to overcome them for the benefit of all, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović at the traditional New Year's reception for members of the diplomatic corps, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although the health crisis that has been going on for two years has affected certain activities in the implementation of foreign policy, as Minister Radulović stated, we can proudly say that this year we managed to overcome it.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Montenegrin diplomatic and consular network, he said, did their best to achieve foreign policy goals. He stated that our unequivocal determination to be part of the European Union in the future, but to be guided by its values today, is evidenced by successes in the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as full compliance with foreign and security policy.

Minister Radulović pointed out that we, together with our NATO allies and partners, continued to contribute to the stability and security of the Western Balkans region this year, making it more visible on the Alliance's agenda. Also, as he stated, good neighbourly cooperation is another pillar of foreign policy because the good relations with all our neighbours are a value that we must carefully preserve, which is important not only for the European path of all of us, but also for the life our citizens deserve.

Ambassador Veselko Grubišić, doyen of the diplomatic corps, said that he hoped that next year would bring successes that would represent a step closer to meeting the goal. I am sure that the EU member states will support every step in that direction, said Grubišić, thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Montenegrin institutions for their continuous support to all diplomats who, as he said, represent countries that truly want Montenegro to succeed in achieving its agenda.

Speaking about this year's successes, Minister Radulović said that we could not have completely achieved them without the help of our diplomats in the country and abroad. Your presence and selfless work make an immeasurable contribution to the dynamics of diplomatic life in Montenegro, said Minister Radulović, emphasising that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will strive to further contribute to strengthening cooperation and friendship in the future.