Abazović, Grlić Radman: We are building bridges of cooperation with neighbours

Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović met today in Villa Gorica with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman.

Expressing satisfaction with the visit of Minister Grlić Radman, the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro stated that the relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia are very good, characterised by regular political dialogue and meetings of officials at all levels. In that sense, DPM Abazović stated that the two countries have a common European and Euro-Atlantic perspective, and that this is a good starting point for further improvement of relations.

DPM Abazović pointed out that Montenegro wants to resolve all open issues with the Republic of Croatia primarily through bilateral dialogue and direct communication, guided by the principles of friendship, good neighbourliness and strategic partnership defined through the two countries' membership in the NATO.

Deputy Prime Minister Abazović pointed out that in addition to fulfilling the obligations arising from the membership in the Alliance and regional cooperation, full membership in the European Union remains a strategic goal of Montenegro and a commitment that has no alternative. In that context, Abazović stated that Montenegro highly values Croatia's unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. DPM Abazović emphasised that as a responsible candidate for membership in the Union, Montenegro consistently follows the EU's foreign and security policy and contributes to EU peacekeeping missions.

Considering the expectations from the upcoming tourist season, Abazović and Grlić Radman stated that there is mutual interest in strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, all in order to create conditions for better and more successful tourist season in both countries, based on complementarity and not competitiveness. In that context, DPM Abazović expressed hope that the announced flights from Zagreb to Podgorica will significantly contribute to the development of tourism and further improvement of economic cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting noted that Montenegro and Croatia, as two friendly and partner countries, cooperate in many areas of common interest, and that bilateral cooperation is very developed in the fields of defence, internal affairs, education and culture. Deputy Prime Minister Abazović and Minister Grlić Radman agreed that there is significant potential for further improvement of cooperation, especially in the field of economy and economic cooperation.

The meeting was an opportunity for the officials to discuss the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and express hope that both countries, as well as the region as a whole, will cope with health and economic problems.