Minister Radulović spoke with Ambassadors of Canada and Colombia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović met today with Ambassador of Canada to Montenegro, based in Belgrade, Giles Norman and Ambassador of Republic of Colombia to Montenegro, based in Budapest Carmenza Jaramillo.

During the meeting with Ambassador of Canada Norman, Minister Radulović expressed pleasure with fruitful bilateral relations of two countries, empowered with strategic partnership within the framework of NATO alliance. He particularly expressed gratitude regarding the help of Government of Canada to Montenegro in fight against coronavirus pandemics, that confirms friendly relations between two countries.

Minister Radulović pointed out great potential when it comes to enhancement of cooperation in economics, defense, and investments domains. In that context, he highlighted that economic diplomacy is in focus of this Government agenda, thus expressing that we are highly interested in dynamization of contacts with the objective of attracting new investors. On that line, he emphasized the possibility of signing the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) between Montenegro and Canada.

“If we want to overcome economic crisis, it is important to have credible investments as well”, stated the Head of Montenegrin diplomacy.

He added that the defense sector is also very important, and that in the following period additional modules should be considered for intensifying of communication within the field. In addition, Minister Radulović mentioned the importance of our diaspora in Canada, as the important link between two countries.

Ambassador Norman agreed with the interlocutor regarding the need for further enhancement of bilateral cooperation. On that line, he said that, together with his associates, he will undertake all activities with the objective of introducing business communities of Canada with investment potential of Montenegro. He especially welcomed Montenegro’s efforts on its EU path hitherto, and expressed the readiness of Canadian side for providing expert assistance within framework of reforms process that we are conducting.

During the meeting with Ambassador of Columbia Jaramillo, Minister Radulović emphasized that besides good bilateral relations, additional focus should be put on economic cooperation. Minister also pointed out that trade exchange is of vital importance, and assessed that Port of Bar should represent important corridor when it comes to goods’ distribution towards countries of our region.

Ambassador Jaramillo expressed gratitude on the reception, while stating that two countries should closely cooperate, despite their geographical distance. In that regard, she highlighted the possibilities of enhancement of cooperation in fields of agriculture, tourism, trade, and IT sector.

“Citizens of Colombia are getting more and more interested in the Western Balkans region, so in that regard, we should take action with the objective of empowering touristic cooperation”, pointed out Ambassador Jaramillo.

Minister welcomed the initiative of Ambassador Jaramillo in the context of IT sector cooperation empowering through knowledge sharing and business networking, that is complementary with the Government of Montenegro objectives in digitalization domain.