Greece's firm and unwavering support for Montenegro's accession to the European Union was repeated by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, following his meeting in Podgorica with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimovich.
Gerapetritis said he had the honour of being welcomed by Prime Minister Milojko Spits and Foreign Minister, while thanking Mr Ibrahimovic for his warm words to Greece and to him personally. He stressed that Greek support for Montenegro is not an obligation, but a conscious political choice, aimed at further developing the relations of the two countries and facilitating the country's European path.
The Foreign Minister praised the efforts of the Montenegrin government and Mr Ibrahimovic personally to promote the necessary reforms, noting that Montenegro's accession to the European Union will be a mutual benefit for both the country and the EU itself.
Referring to the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's independence, he stressed that this is an important milestone for the country and its people, while pointing out that Greece and Montenegro are linked to traditional ties of friendship, mutual respect and joint historical references.
Mr Gerapetritis stressed that today's debate confirmed the high level of bilateral relations and the significant margin of further cooperation in many areas. He also stressed that the two countries, as allies in NATO and states in the same geographical neighbourhood, have a common interest in promoting peace, security and prosperity in Southeast Europe.
Special emphasis was placed on Montenegro's European perspective, noting that Greece is carrying not only its support but also a broader message of solidarity on the part of the European Union. He also congratulated the country for organising the EU-Western Balkans Summit, to which Greece was represented by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, which, he said, demonstrates the importance Athens attaches to the European perspective of the region.
The Foreign Minister stressed that the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU is a strategic option that will contribute to the stability, peace and development of an area that has previously experienced severe turbulence and conflict.
At the same time, he welcomed Montenegro's progress in meeting the accession criteria, and made particular reference to the country's full alignment with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, describing the important achievement that demonstrates convergence of views on international security issues.
As he said, the start of the process of drafting the Montenegro Accession Treaty is a substantial recognition of the progress achieved and confirms the country's position as a pioneer in the Western Balkan accession process. It expressed hope that the transition from the stage of negotiations to full membership would accelerate in the next period.
Gerapetritis reiterated that Greece will continue to provide know-how and support for the reform and integration of the European acquis, recalling that from the 2003 Thessaloniki Agenda, Athens is one of the strongest supporters of the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
In this context, he also mentioned the Declaration of Delphi, noting that in view of the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027, Greece is committed to keeping the issue of enlargement to the Western Balkans high on the European agenda. In fact, it called a "great goal" for Greece to welcome Montenegro as a new EU member state during its presidency.
An important part of the talks was also devoted to bilateral relations. The Foreign Minister said the two sides discussed the further development of economic cooperation in the fields of trade, tourism, environmental technology, academic cooperation and culture.
He made particular reference to cooperation to promote regional interconnection in the fields of energy, infrastructure, ports and transport, stressing the strategic importance of the Adriatic – Ionian Motorway to strengthen trade, tourism and business partnerships.
At the same time, he announced that it was agreed to carry out a business mission from Greece to Podgorica in the coming period, with a view to exploring new investment opportunities and partnerships between companies in the two countries.
Gerapetritis also stood for increasing visitor mobility between Greece and Montenegro, noting that direct air connections contribute decisively to strengthening links between the two peoples and mutual understanding.
In closing, he thanked Mr Ibrahimovic for his hospitality and constructive cooperation, confirming that Greece will continue to be on Montenegro's side both bilaterally and on its path to join the European Union, a development which, he stressed, will strengthen both Montenegro and the European Union as a whole.