Minister Radulović at the Meeting of the National Coordinator’s Committee of the CEI: Continuation of the Chairmanship of Montenegro as proof of commitment to regional cooperation

Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović opened today the first meeting of the National Coordinator’s Committee within the framework of Montenegrin Chairmanship of the Central-European Initiative (CEI) for 2021, that is being held virtually, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Radulović expressed his pleasure with the fact that Montenegro continued its chairmanship of the Initiative this year as well, which have been assessed as confirmation of our commitment to regional cooperation, but also as additional motivation for further activities.

He stated that Montenegro is determined to become part of European system of values, thus that newly elected Government remains committed to further progress within EU integration, by developing good-neighborly relations, and active engagement in numerous regional initiatives as well.

“In times of uncertainty caused by pandemic, I am convinced that regional cooperation is needed now more than ever before, and that we should join our strengths and act together” pointed out the Head of Montenegrin diplomacy.

He also stated that Montenegro appreciates unique role of the CEI in promotion of constructive dialogue and project-oriented cooperation in strategic areas for longer than 30 years.

He added that Montenegro will undertake all its efforts to, during this year as well, provide efficiency of the work of the Initiative in course of partnership empowerment with all the member states of the CEI, the Secretariat, as well as with other relevant regional actors.

Secretary General of the CEI Roberto Antonione stated that the Government of Montenegro has demonstrated with this year chairmanship the commitment to common goals and values. He emphasized that with joint activities we could overcome challenges caused by pandemic and secure further progress of countries of the region. On that line, he highlighted that he, as well as CEI Secretariat, will provide all necessary support for continuation of Montenegro’s chairmanship of this Initiative.

The meeting, that included member countries of the CEI and its Secretariat, was the opportunity for Montenegro to present its prioritized fields of cooperation and preliminary activity calendar for 2021. Furthermore, representatives of the CEI Secretariat presented its results achieved so far, and plans within the framework of Government, Parliamentary and economic dimension of the CEI, as well as actual topics within regional project cooperation field.

Montenegro is the first country since the foundation of the CEI, that chairs the Initiative two years in the row.