Montenegro must rely more on its diaspora, particularly as the country moves faster towards of the most important goals – EU membership – newly-elected President of the Council of Cooperation with Diaspora – Emigrants, Vildan Ramusovic, said following his appointment.
Mr Ramusovic, a representative of the Montenegrin diaspora in Slovenia, was elected to lead the Government’s advisory body on diaspora affairs, describing that role as both a major responsibility and recognition for Montenegrins abroad who have preserved their identity, culture and ties to their homeland for years.
Speaking to the #CGDIJASPORA portal, he said his election came at a symbolic moment, as Montenegro marked two decades since restoring independence while simultaneously intensifying efforts toward EU membership. He argued that both milestones should serve as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the state and its diaspora communities worldwide.
A key focus of the Council’s future work, he added, would be Montenegro’s academic diaspora – professionals, researchers and experts already integrated into EU systems and other developed countries. According to Mr Ramusovic, their knowledge, experience and professional networks could play an important role in supporting Montenegro’s European integration process through the exchange of expertise rather than solely through return migration.
He also stressed that diaspora communities should be viewed as long-term development partners capable of contributing to Montenegro’s economy, education system and international visibility, rather than remaining only symbolically connected to the homeland.
