Spajić meets Chinese Premier Li: China grants Montenegro €13 million

China wants a stable and prosperous Montenegro, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang said during a meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, describing it as “the first bilateral meeting at the highest level in the past eighteen years.” On that occasion, Premier Li informed Prime Minister Spajić that the People's Republic of China had approved approximately €13 million in grant assistance for Montenegro, to be implemented in a manner agreed upon by the two countries.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić is visiting China, where he is participating in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos, held in the city of Dalian.

As Montenegro and China mark 20 years of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Spajić met today in Dalian with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations, which both sides agreed have significant potential for further development in areas of mutual interest.

The two officials noted that relations between Montenegro and China are at a high level and that the visit of Montenegro’s Prime Minister represents “fresh momentum in bilateral relations.”

Montenegro is a good partner and friend of our country. China will strongly support a stable and prosperous Montenegro, Li said.

The two sides agreed that successfully implemented infrastructure projects are the best confirmation of the quality of cooperation between the two countries. They also identified opportunities to strengthen cooperation through increased trade, tourism, science and innovation.

The meeting also focused on future cooperation models, with particular emphasis on the green transition and sustainable energy, especially in the context of current global developments and the limited availability of fossil fuels.

Premier Li also referred to the environmental reconstruction project of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant.

We want to support the green transition, and the project implemented in your hometown is the best example of this commitment, Li said.

Both sides expressed their readiness to intensify communication and cooperation in these areas in the coming period, with the aim of defining concrete projects that will benefit both countries.

During the talks, Prime Minister Spajić briefed his Chinese counterpart on Montenegro’s progress in the European integration process, emphasizing that European Union membership by 2028 remains the key objective of the 44th Government of Montenegro. He noted that Montenegro is intensifying reform efforts and aligning its legislation with the EU acquis in order to complete accession negotiations by the end of this year.

Premier Li welcomed the Government of Montenegro’s efforts to advance its foreign policy goals and economic development, stating that Montenegro, despite its size, is a highly valued partner with whom China seeks to deepen cooperation.

The two officials also discussed the reconstruction of the Tara Bridge. In that context, Premier Li stressed that the project represents a powerful symbol of friendship between he two countries.

We want the bridge, once reconstructed, to stand proudly above the Tara River in its full splendour and serve as a testament to the friendship between our countries and peoples, Li said.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić extended an invitation to Chinese Premier Li Qiang to pay an official visit to Montenegro when circumstances allow.

The meeting at the state residence in Dalian was attended by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Acting Minister of Transport Filip Radulović and Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue Naida Nišić.