21 March 2019 - Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović paid an official visit to the Republic of Kosovo at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Behgjet Pacolli. Minister Darmanović also met with Speaker of the Parliament Kadri Veseli and Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj.
The officials noted that Montenegro and the Republic of Kosovo have developed very good relations and expressed their satisfaction with the frequent political dialogue that strengthens the overall cooperation. "It is essential that all actors in the region cooperate closely, as well as to act responsibly for the purpose of faster integration into the European Union," said Minister Darmanović.
Kosovo Foreign Minister Pacoli emphasised that the two countries are sincere friends. cherishing good neighborly relations and mutual support.
"The Montenegrin contribution to regional stability is very important and the citizens of our country appreciate it," Minister Pacoli stressed.
The meeting with Speaker of the Kosovo Parliament Veseli noted excellent cooperation between the two coutries, which was confirmed in the previous period when addressing issues of common interest.
"The Republic of Kosovo and its citizens have great respect for the results of the Montenegrin state policy," Mr Veseli underscored. The importance of the parliamentary dimension of cooperation between the two countries was also emphasised as an important segment of the overall relations.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Haradinaj, the head of the Montenegrin diplomacy stressed that Montenegro closely monitors and supports the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, stressing that it is important for the two sides to achieve a sustainable agreement that will be in the function of the long-term stability of the Western Balkans. Commenting on bilateral relations, the Kosovo Prime Minister said that " Montenegro is an example of successful development and a role model in European and Euro-Atlantic integration process." The two officials also pointed out the need to boost economic cooperation between the two countries, primarily through better infrastructure connections.
Minister Darmanović particularly highlighted the issue of the status of the Montenegrin community in Kosovo, which is in the focus of attention of the Government of Montenegro, hopeful that the Montenegrin national minority will soon receive a constitutional and legal treatment. In that context, the Kosovo officials said that they strive for the recognition of the status in the highest legal act of Kosovo, greater representation and a better position of the Montenegrin community. Minister Darmanović also spoke with the representatives of the Montenegrin emigrant societies, and pointed out the assurances of the Kosovo side that their status will be recognised in the future by the Constitution. They also discussed the soon opening of the Development Centre of Montenegrins, which will be the hub of cultural, economic, scientific and educational projects of Montenegro's community in Kosovo.
Ministers Darmanović and Pacoli signed an agreement on cooperation between the two countries in the context of accession to the European Union.
"Montenegro is set, based on its commitment to good neighbourly relations and close regional cooperation, to share experience and expertise in the process of European integration with all its neighbours," Minister Darmanović stated, adding that Kosovo can count on Montenegro's support for its EU bid.
