Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro can achieve its goal of joining the EU by 2028, Italian President Sergio Mattarella has stated, adding that Italy is ready to cooperate and assist the Montenegrin government.
Speaking at a press conference in Cetinje, following the meeting with the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic, Mattarella said that the strength of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries was confirmed through numerous high-level political and institutional meetings.
Speaking about the EU enlargement process, Mattarella pointed out that Italy’s support for Montenegro has never wavered and that Italy is convinced that it is important and urgent for Montenegro to join the EU, along with other countries of the Western Balkans.
According to him, Montenegro is the most advanced in the EU integration process, adding that this requires both Montenegro’s and EU additional engagement.
Milatovic, for his part, said that bilateral cooperation between Montenegro and Italy is characterized by friendly relations and intense political dialogue.
“I would like to highlight the announced formation of the financial police in Montenegro, with Italy’s assistance. This is extremely important, in the context of all the efforts we are making to improve the rule of law”, stated Milatovic.
Milatovic expressed his gratitude for Italy’s unwavering support of Montenegro’s European path.
When asked by the press whether his statement about working with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic to host the next year’s European Political Union summit meant improved relations with the Prime Minister, Milatovic replied that neither Spajic nor anyone else who wishes the best for Montenegro has a greater friend than him.
According to him, the most important national interest of Montenegro is full EU membership, adding that hosting of the European Political Community summit would be extremely important for Montenegro in this regard.
Earlier on Tuesday, Mattarella awarded Milatovic with Italy’s highest state decoration – the Order of the Grand Cross of Merit, while Milatovic presented Mattarella with the Order of Montenegro on a ribbon, the highest state decoration that Montenegro awards to presidents, sovereigns, or heads of international organizations.
