ANTALYA, Türkiye, April 11. Türkiye's diplomacy is an example of how diplomatic efforts can help overcome the difficult challenges we all face today, said Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović as he addressed the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Trend reports.
He commended Türkiye's diplomatic efforts, particularly its role in fostering stronger ties between the Balkan nations and Türkiye.
Reflecting on Montenegro's historical context, he reminded the audience that the country's fight against the Ottoman Empire shaped its national identity. Today, he said, the focus is on strengthening partnerships with Türkiye, leveraging cultural similarities and shared perspectives on global issues.
Milatović outlined the four pillars of Montenegro's foreign policy. "First, as a Balkan country, regional cooperation is crucial for us," he noted, emphasizing mutual trust and respect between neighboring countries as essential for peace and stability in the region.
The second pillar, Milatović explained, is Montenegro's NATO membership, which defines its geopolitical stance and ensures security amid Europe's current challenges. He underscored Montenegro's clear position on the war in Ukraine, advocating for a just peace.
The third pillar is Montenegro's European Union aspirations. As one of the most advanced candidate countries, Montenegro aims to become the 28th EU member state by 2028. "It's an ambitious but realistic goal," Milatović said, adding that the war in Ukraine has led EU capitals to recognize the importance of enlargement for European security.
In closing, Milatović expressed hope that Montenegro's progress towards EU membership could serve as a role model for other candidate countries, ultimately benefiting both the region and the EU.