The UK’s exit from the EU won’t affect our relations, said Montenegro’s President Mr Milo Đukanović at the meeting with UK Ambassador to Montenegro, Ms Alison Kemp.
The meeting was held upon the initiative of Ms Kemp in the light of the UK’s exit from the EU and defining a framework for future relations with Montenegro in this context.
Feeling regret for UK leaving the EU, he expressed full respect for the decision, which, according to President Đukanović, would have consequences for the Union towards which Montenegro aspires, but won’t affect our relations with the UK and our desire to build the best relations with the United Kingdom.
He recalled the significant benefits of the UK presence in Montenegro and the region as well, with a desire to continue cooperation in all fields.
President Đukanović stressed he was convinced in the continuation of the partnership between the two countries both within NATO and bilaterally, emphasizing the areas of defense, security, justice and customs services in which excellent cooperation has been achieved in the previous period.
Ms Kemp indicated that although the UK is leaving the EU, it remains fully committed to supporting reforms in Montenegro based on common values through the Alliance in NATO and the process of European integration of Montenegro.
“Even though we are leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe and we are certainly not leaving the Western Balkans,“ said she.
In that context, she announced further full support for reforms in Montenegro, including defense and security, the rule of law and free and responsible media.
Both sides agreed that the upcoming COP26 Summit to be held in Glasgow later this year will be a good opportunity to create or reshape a stronger global response to the climate change challenges that we are facing, as the UK intends to intensify cooperation with Montenegro on this matter.
