Full integration of the Western Balkans is essential for the European Union to become a “truly inspiring and complete community,” North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said Tuesday at a joint press conference with Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatovic.
Milatovic, who is on an official visit to North Macedonia, said relations between the two countries are based on sincere friendship and mutual respect, describing them as a model of good neighbourly cooperation in the region.
“I come as a friend among friends, even as a brother to a brotherly nation,” he said, adding that the two countries share a deep historical closeness reinforced by solidarity and mutual support.
He noted that North Macedonia was among the first countries to recognise Montenegro, calling it a strong foundation for the development of bilateral and diplomatic ties.
Milatovic stressed that the European perspective of both countries remains central, adding that Montenegro strongly supports North Macedonia’s path toward EU membership.
“This country will always have an ally and full support in us,” he said, adding that Montenegro aims to become the EU’s next member state and demonstrate that the region’s European future is achievable.
Siljanovska-Davkova said the two countries are an example of regional good neighbourliness and cooperation within NATO, adding that the meeting further strengthened mutual trust.
She welcomed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the youth councils of the two countries, saying it would bring “freshness and creativity” to bilateral relations.
According to her, the shared vision is a stable and prosperous region integrated into the European Union, while the upcoming EU–Western Balkans summit in Montenegro shows that enlargement remains on the agenda.
“Full integration of the Balkans is necessary for the EU to be truly inspiring and complete,” she said, adding that regional cooperation and mutual support are key to advancing toward membership.
She warned that a lack of understanding and respect among countries in the region could slow their path to the EU.