President of Croatia, Mr Zoran Milanović, has arrived in Montenegro for his two-day state visit. In conversation with his host, Mr Milo Đukanović, he said in Cetinje today that Montenegro had gone very far in the EU integration process and that it would probably be the next EU member. He said that Montenegro “will have Croatia’s full support”. Mr Milanović came to Cetinje today after almost four decades. Mr Đukanović thanked Mr Milanović for the help Croatia had provided so far and expressed his expectation that cooperation between the two countries would be further improved.
Mr Đukanović pointed out that the visit has been announced before the coronavirus pandemic.
“Croatia provided continuous support. Montenegro is part of the Croatian contingent in Afghanistan. We have received donation from Croatia. However, still many challenges still lie ahead”, Mr Đukanović said.
Mr Đukanović said he firmly believes that this visit was priceless for Montenegro and that the final epilogue would be greater contribution to friendly relations.
“Dear Milo, I am so happy to be in Cetinje, after 39 years”, Mr Milanović addressed Mr Đukanović.
“Montenegro is the closest to the EU of all countries. We want to have predictable neighbors. By that I don’t mean boring, I mean that we want to know who we deal with. Your country chose the character of Western society clearly and openly at the beginning of negotiations. Montenegro will probably be the next EU member”, Mr Milanović pointed out.
Talking about the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences, Mr Milanović said that economic damage would be huge.
Tourist season
Asked if they discussed coronavirus consequences in tourism, Montenegro’s president replied that “there is nothing unexpected when it comes to functioning of tourist season”.
“It is clear this problem is affecting every economy. Reducing loss, that’s the logic that needs to be applied this year. Every single day, until the end of year, is crucial. I believe Montenegro has proven that it has capacities to render smart decisions. There will be a loss but we are not going to go down on our knees”, Mr Đukanović said.
According to Mr Milanović next year will be normal.
“This disease mostly kills older people. We must try to live as normally as we can. No place for panic. This is time for caution and rational approach. Montenegro and Croatia will earn nothing from tourism this year”, Mr Milanović said.
Milanović would be glad to welcome Đukanović in Dubrovnik
Mr Milanović explained why he arrived by ship.
“It’s ship, not a tank. It’s Croatian military ship, not threatening dark silhouette. I think my hosts welcomed my arrival with joy. I would be happy to welcome my Montenegrin hosts the same way in Dubrovnik”.
Kosovo issue must be resolved
“Obsessions over territories are overcome. Maybe Mr Aleksandar Vučić has more advanced reasoning than me. If that’s the case, I apologize in advance”, Mr Milanović said.
Electoral environment improved
Montenegro’s president said that he “advocates for equal conditions for all and fair electoral environment.
“I don’t want to comment on Serbia’s internal affairs, just its relationship to Montenegro. Outcome of elections in Serbia is expected”, Mr Đukanović said.
