Statements by the Foreign Minister from Podgorica after the meeting he had with his Montenegrin counterpart Ranko Krivokapic
“The Western Balkans must” turn a deaf ear to ‘sirens’ coming from third countries, who want to make them a place of unrest and discord, “he said. Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in his statements in Podgoricafollowing a meeting with Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ranko Krivokapic.
He stressed the common perception that Greece and Montenegro have for the region and its future, as well as for Europe. “Because both countries believe that the forces of revisionism, the revisionist mentalities, have no role and no place in 21st century Europe. Revision efforts create tragedies, we see it clearly in Ukraine. We do not need such perceptions in our region, we do not need such perceptions in the Eastern Mediterranean “.
“Greece is a force for stability, it is a non-reviewing force. It is a force that only radiates friendship and a willingness to cooperate. “note and add features: “It is, however, a force that completely denies any threats, especially threats of war (casus belli) against us, which really have no place, not only in the vocabulary, but also in the reality of the 21st century.”.
As Mr. Dendias noted, “Greece defines as one of the main priorities of its foreign policy the full integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union”, while he underlined that “the European perspective is the only way for peace and stability in Balkans”.
“Of course there are difficulties in this process. “However, the Western Balkans must remain committed to their European course.”
“Greece, the oldest EU country in the Balkans, is fully prepared to help. And to strongly support the accession perspective of the Western Balkans “said Mr. Dendias, in view of of the Summit of the Cooperation Process in South East Europe which will take place on Friday in Thessaloniki.
The Foreign Minister also welcomed his counterpart’s statement that EU accession is the first strategic priority for Montenegro. While congratulating him, because Montenegro is fully in line with the decisions and policies of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), as well as for the completion of five years since its accession to NATO.
In our economic relations, said Mr. Dendias, the situation has improved as in 20-21, they reached 168 million euros, double the previous year, which was only 88 million. But he said much more could be done in more areas, such as energy, transport, research, infrastructure.
“Greek companies have invested millions of euros in Montenegro and can invest much more now that they have emerged from the financial crisis,” Dendias said.
He also mentioned the importance of interconnection and noted that the Ionian Road should connect all the Western Balkans, the Ionian-Adriatic highway is absolutely necessary, as well as energy connectivity.
He finally thanked his counterpart for his reference to the role of the Hellenic Air Force for the security of Montenegro, but also for the agreement of the two countries to support each other in their election to the United Nations Security Council.
