In an interview for China Media Group (CMG), Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović says he is grateful to Beijing for its understanding and support for Montenegro on its European and Euro-Atlantic path. According to Mr Đukanović, this only confirms that the relations between the two countries are an example of good relations, which are not limited by Montenegro’s integration into NATO and its recent EU membership. In the post-Covid era, Mr Đukanović stresses, isolation and distance must not remain a “new normality”, but it must be connection and cooperation.
This week, Mr Đukanović took part in the Summit of China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Asked about his impressions from this year’s 17+1 Summit, he says that this initiative once again proved to be important for further cooperation deepening.
In recent years, the cooperation between China and Montenegro has been steadily deepening. The wind farm on the Možura hill, built by a Chinese company, has already started operating. According to forecasts, the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway priority section will be completed this year, and the Chinese company will also reconstruct the thermal power plant in Pljevlja.
Mr Đukanović says that there are significant potentials for economic cooperation to be two-way and for the benefit of both countries.
“I especially emphasize agriculture, tourism, logistics, transport and certainly the IT sector and e-commerce”, he explains.
Speaking about the bridge on Đurđevića Tara, which became a Montenegrin business card in China thanks to the film Bridge, but also about the intention of the Chinese government to donate funds for the reconstruction of this famous landmark of Montenegro, Mr Đukanović points out that the bridge on Tara has become a symbol of Montenegrin-Chinese friendship.
The bridge on Tara is a symbol of all these values, and it has also become a symbol of Montenegrin-Chinese friendship. Mr Đukanović expresses gratitude to the Government of China for the donation and expresses hope that the project, worth €7m, will soon be implemented.
When asked about the Chinese-Montenegrin cooperation during the pandemic and the efforts of the two countries in the joint fight against Covid-19, Mr Đukanović notes that the fight against Covid-19 can be successful only if it is joint.
He adds that the communication of diplomatic representatives was almost daily and always guided by the principle of understanding, solidarity and respect for the need for quick reaction.
The 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Montenegro is marked this year. Mr Đukanović says that both countries can be satisfied with their cooperation in the past 15 years, that is, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, after Montenegro restored its independence back in 2006 and became a member of the United Nations.
To mark 15 years of relations between the two countries, China Media Group has decided to make a documentary about Montenegrins living and working in China.
Mr Đukanović says he is happy with such an initiative.
