President of the Republic of Montenegro

February 03, 2010

First day of the official visit of the President of Montenegro to the Republic of Italy

Support to Integration and Furthering of Economic Cooperation

Rome, Montenegro can count on full support of Italy in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration process and the two countries are committed to furthering of Economic Cooperation – it was stated in Rome following talks of the Presidents Filip Vujanovic and Giorgio Napolitano.

The Italian president said at the press conference that Rome supports commitment of Montenegro to receive by the end of the year the candidate status for the European Union membership. “Montenegro is on a good path of European integration and we expect it to be soon defined as a candidate country for the EU accession”, said Napolitano, adding that Montenegro can count on full support of Italy in that process. He pointed out that Italy supports full membership of Montenegro in NATO, as well. “European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes can only help in consolidation of the very complex region such as that of the Western Balkans”, stated the Italian president.
Napolitano stated that Italy and Montenegro have good and comprehensive relations and that economic cooperation is being furthered, especially in the field of energy cooperation.

Vujanovic said that Italy is becoming the strategic partner of Montenegro on its further way of European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes. “Montenegro’s path to European and Euro-Atlantic integration is supported by Italy and we are grateful for that”, he said. Stating that Italy assisted in establishing the visa liberalization and receipt of the European Commission Questionnaire, Vujanovic said that there is positive mood in Rome to enable the candidate status for the EU membership for Montenegro by the end of the year.
According to him, the Italian side helped Montenegro to get the Membership Action Plan (MAP), and support of Rome to full acceptance of our country into the North-Atlantic Alliance will be present as well.
He stated that he is very glad that the bilateral relations in the field of economy are developing, i.e. that Montenegro is establishing strategic partnership with Italy in the field of energy.
Vujanovic announced the upcoming meeting of the Prime Minister, Milo Djukanovic, and Silvio Berlusconi in Rome, which will promote the need for further economic cooperation of the two countries.
He said that the agreement on cooperation of the Governments of Italy and Montenegro is in its final phase and that it will ensure further economic cooperation, as well as the support of Rome to European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes of Montenegro.
“All of this makes it possible for Italy to become the strategic partner of Montenegro on its further way of European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes”, emphasized Vujanovic.

The Montenegrin President invited Napolitano to visit Montenegro, which he accepted.

Vujanovic, who is staying in a two-day official visit to Italy was welcomed in Rome with highest state honours. It is the first official visit of the President of Montenegro to Italy following recognition of Montenegrin independence.

The Montenegrin President will tomorrow attend the reception which will be held in the St. John Lateran Basilica, on the occasion of anniversary of the Community of Sant’Egidio, which is committed to promotion of peace and dialogue of cultures and religions. more

January 27, 2010

Statement of the President of Montenegro on the Occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked worldwide today.
The biggest Nazi death camp, Auschwitz, the symbol of Holocaust and suffering in which millions of people lost their lives during the World War II was liberated on this day in 1945.

Today, we remember millions of victims of the Nazi regime and terrifying tragedy of the Jews who were tortured and killed in the most monstrous ways.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is not only an opportunity to pay homage and express piety to all victims in the largest twilight of civilization, under domination of the Nazi racial ideology, but it is the sacred duty of the whole democratic world to send a clear and unequivocal message that this greatest historical evil, and any other evil should never happen again, at the same time pointing out the threats and challenges of humanity to young and new generations.

Pursuant to its freedom-loving and justice-loving history and moral codex, on this day Montenegro decisively gives its voice of piety to the victims and to solidarity regarding all necessary values adhered to by the international community. Montenegro remembers its own victims from concentration camps and proudly points out its great contribution to the Anti-Fascist movement of progressive humanity in victory over forces and ideology of this evil which provoked holocaust. more

January 26, 2010

Cetinje, President Receives Letters of Credence from the Newly Appointed Ambassador of Hungary

President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanović received today at his Residence in Cetinje the letters of credence from the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Hungary, Tibor Császár, who will perform his duty in Montenegro on a residential basis.

President Vujanović stated that relations between Montenegro and Hungary are very close, and the cooperation in all fields is successful, expressing his belief that it will continue for the benefit of the two states and their citizens.

President expressed his belief that presence to a significant level of Hungarian companies and entrepreneurs will secure more active connections between Montenegro and Hungary, wherein the mission of the newly appointed Ambassador will be certainly helpful.

Ambassador Tibor Császár informed that there is room to further widen cooperation and past experiences serve as the best recommendation.

Ambassador conveyed the messages of the Hungarian Government and the President that Hungary will be a trustworthy friend of Montenegro and promoter of European and Euro Atlantic goals.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Milan Roćen attended the presentation of the letters of credence. more

January 26, 2010

Cetinje: Ambassador of Cuba Presents Letters of Credence to President Vujanović

President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanović received today at his Residence in Cetinje the letters of credence from the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba, Mercedes Martinez Valdes, who will perform her duty in Montenegro on a non-residential basis.

President Vujanovic stated that in addition to good relations with Cuba our economic relations are at a low level, so diplomatic activities should be committed to establishment of economic cooperation.

Ambassador Mercedes Martinez Valdes pointed out that she will try to be as often as possible in Montenegro and to engage directly in establishment of economic cooperation. She said that she will visit Bar and the Port in the coming days in order to assist in organization of the visit of delegation of local administration and businessmen of Bar to Cuba believing that it will be a valuable activity regarding our economic cooperation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Milan Roćen attended the presentation of the letters of credence. more

January 26, 2010

Podgorica, President Vujanovic Receives President of the Chinese EXIM Bank

President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic, received today Mr. Li Ruogu, President of the Chinese Exim Bank.

President expressed particular gratitude for the readiness of the Exim Bank to credit purchase of two ships for the “Montenegro Shipping” JSC from Kotor. That is the best way to begin renewal of this Montenegrin shipping company, with tradition in maritime transport which is one of the greatest business values of the Boka and coastal region.

President thanked the President of the PR China Hu Jintao, who directly encouraged this bank to credit purchase of ships for needs of the Montenegro Shipping upon receipt of his letter from September 25, last year. He stated that this has been the greatest project of economic cooperation of Montenegro and China so far, opening paths of its spreading to other areas, which is of special importance for Montenegrin economy.

Bank President Li Ruogu expressed his belief that crediting of purchase of ships for Montenegro Shipping would enhance cooperation in other areas. He added that the Exim Bank is willing and ready to identify specific areas of partnership in cooperation of the two governments, which would be supported by credit from this bank.

Meeting was attended by the Minister of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Telecommunications, Andrija Lompar. more

January 25, 2010

President Vujanović received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina

President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sven Alkalaj.

President stated that state relations between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are active, comprehensive and for the common benefit of the two states and their citizens. He emphasized the quality of cooperation regarding the European and Euro Atlantic integration, towards which we equally aspire.

President pointed out that in addition to development of economic cooperation there is a wide room for its enhancement, and thus the mission of both states is to encourage that cooperation.

Minster of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sven Alkalaj said that relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have no open issues and serve as a role model of the region, which should be promoted in the international community. Minister Alkalaj agreed with the President that the common task of the two states, and diplomacy as well, is to encourage further economic cooperation particularly by using opportunities of the third countries’ common markets.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina Ramiz Bašić, and the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Montenegro Branimir Jukić. more

January 23, 2010

President of Montenegro Congratulates to the Serbian Patriarch

President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović sent congratulatory message to the newly elected Serbian Patriarch Irinej Gavrilović.
The congratulatory message reads:

To the Serbian Patriarch Irinej,
Your Highness,
I congratulate you on election as the Serbian Patriarch, believing that, with gentle words and messages, you will strengthen harmony and love in the name of peace and justice – of human and God; harmony among people, Orthodox believers and all believers, Orthodox believers regardless of nation, particularly cherishing closeness and harmony of the Montenegrin and Serbian believers and these two people. And thus the specific feature of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and Littoral which is, owing to its specific feature, canonically and essentially Orthodox. more

January 22, 2010

President Vujanović Congratulates Montenegrin Journalists’ Day

President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanović congratulated to the journalists the day which marks 139 years of providing information to Montenegro - January 23rd. On the occasion of this significant jubilee, the President stated that all the representatives of public voice can be proud of the history of Montenegrin journalism which commenced in 1871, thus establishing the basis for the present contemporary journalism.

President emphasized that Montenegro and its citizens who are devoted to democracy and the rule of law are in demand of professional and educated journalists who are governed by ethical principles in their work, respecting any man’s right to true, unbiased and timely information, and wished journalists to contribute to the democracy and development of Montenegro depicting its values objectively. more

January 22, 2010

Podgorica, President of Montenegro and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee

President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović received today Admiral Giampaolo di Paola, the Chairman of NATO Military Committee.

President expressed great pleasure over the decision to accept Montenegro in MAP, the antechamber of NATO. Thereby a positive assessment of military and our overall security system is given and this is also an opportunity for Montenegro to secure membership in this great security integration through further achievements towards meeting the NATO standards. President pointed out the great importance of this membership for Montenegro, not only for security but for political and economic reasons as well.

Admiral Giampaolo di Paola said that Montenegro serves as a good example of the region and that its commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic integration is significant. He emphasized that Montenegro will have strong support for accomplishment of its strategic integration goals in partnership with NATO in the future. more

January 15, 2010

Podgorica, President of Montenegro Gives Interview to MINA News Agency

- Bound by the Government’s decision on recognition of independence of Kosovo brought in October 2008, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro has established diplomatic relations with Kosovo through the exchange of letters. What is your comment on this?

I have stated, several times, publicly, that it is under the competence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the Government’s decision on recognition of independence of Kosovo, to establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo, thus implementing this decision. I find the significance of this act of implementation overemphasized, because it only represents diplomatic realization of the decision that has been already made. I believed and I still believe that, prior to the exchange of ambassadors with Kosovo, we should solve some open questions with this country. I consider it as a condition for this important diplomatic decision which, aside from the Government, falls within the competence of the President of the state who gives agréman and receives the letters of credence of the foreign ambassadors, and signs the decree on the appointment of our ambassadors.

- During the previous year, you were pointing out that these open issues are related to the return of refugees from Montenegro to Kosovo and recognition of Montenegrins as a minority along with their representation in the Government of Kosovo. What has been done so far to solve these issues?

For the return of the refugees, the state-level communication has been intensified, and our two national delegations have visited Kosovo, and one delegation from Kosovo visited Montenegro. Our two delegations, one headed by Rifat Rastoder, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, and the other one headed by Minister Suad Numanovic have been provided with the assurances that the Kosovo authorities will do everything for a sustainable return of refugees from Montenegro to Kosovo. Delegation of the Government of Kosovo has stated recently, while visiting Montenegro, that the financial support was provided for the individual return of refugees and building of a Roma settlement on Kosovo for a collective return. Thus, a clear and positive state attitude was expressed towards the returning refugees from Montenegro to Kosovo. It is the fact that the insufficient number of refugees is returning, but now we have an official position of Kosovo concerning a sustainable return with financial support provided. It is upon Kosovo authorities to show their dedication to the implementation of their own decision regarding the return of the refugees, and it is upon our state to insist intensively and persistently on that issue.

That is why I believe that solving of this issue has commenced and that Kosovo authorities have shown positive attitude toward this condition for the exchange of ambassadors.

- And what about recognition of Montenegrin minority and securing their representation in the Government of Kosovo?

Apart from the promise and verbally expressed positive willingness, nothing has been done so far. Montenegrins still do not have normatively recognized status of minority nor secured authentic representation in the Government of Kosovo, beside the fact that they were treated as national community in the SAP Kosovo Constitution of 1974 and that they were second non-Albanian community, after Serbs, in the population census from 1981. I am pleased that, in addition to others, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians and Goranci national minorities gained their recognition in the Constitution of independent Kosovo. But it is hard to believe that Montenegrins lost the status of minority despite the fact that they asked for such status in the preparation of the Constitution and since it was omitted in the Constitution, they insisted on its correction. Montenegrins autochthonously live in Kosovo for centuries and they should be definitely granted minority status.

- Does it mean that, in the exchange of ambassadors, you will insist for the solution to the issue of recognition of our minority and their representation in the Government of Kosovo?

Of course. Without that, the issue of our minority would further remain open and unsettled. Besides, that was clearly and publicly announced by Montenegrin national community and Montenegrin parties in Kosovo as well. I highly appreciate the position of MFA which expresses expectation of resolving the issue of recognition of Montenegrin national community as a minority in the legal system of Kosovo during the preparation for the exchange of diplomatic staff.

I certainly will not sign acts of exchange of ambassadors until Montenegrin national community get clear normative recognition as a minority and until the authentic representation in the Government of Kosovo is secured. more

January 11, 2010

President of Montenegro Congratulates dr Ivo Josipovic on Victory in the Presidential Elections in Croatia

President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic, congratulated dr Ivo Josipovic on convincing victory in the presidential elections in Croatia.

President Vujanovic expressed in the congratulations the belief in President Josipovic’s full commitment to promotion of the European values of Croatia and development of good neighborly relations and regional cooperation.

He emphasized that Montenegro and Croatia have a wide and open room for comprehensive cooperation which ensured their image of a good regional role model. President Vujanovic pointed out that in cooperation of the two states such values will be further confirmed. more

January 05, 2010

Podgorica, President Vujanovic receives Leopold Maurer

President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic met today with the Ambassador Leopold Maurer, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro in Podgorica.

Ambassador Maurer gave his assessment of the last year’s accomplishments of Montenegro in the European Union integration process and presented his expectations for this year. He stated that the past year was very successful and that the highest accomplishment of Montenegro is the visa regime liberalization, as well as answers to the European Commission Questionnaire. He expressed his expectation that during this year the process of answering to the Questionnaire would be completed and that conditions for Montenegro to gain the candidate status for the European Union membership would be created. He conveyed readiness of the Delegation to further actively support and assist in the European integration process of Montenegro. more

November 20, 2009

Sarajevo, Address by H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanović - Regional economic forum south - east Europe

COMPETITORS AND PARTNERS ON THE WAY TO EUROPEAN UNION IN TERMS OF WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Dear Chairman,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to participate at the 6th, already traditional, Regional Economic Forum of the countries of our region, which are committed to cooperation in responding to the economic and overall social challenges that we are facing.

An especially inspiring topic of this forum is: political dimension of the current economic crisis and the issue of competitiveness in the light of our regional cooperation.

Global economic crisis has, without a doubt, affected all national economies, which resulted in large-scale state interventionism in the leading Western countries, especially in the banking sector. This led to skepticism regarding functioning of free markets, to the extent of posing the question – whether competition and economic stability can coexist at all and which are the global standards on which competitiveness of economies and international business dialogue will rest in future.

I have to emphasize that reactions of the countries of our region to these challenges are encouraging, as well as the optimism which prevails at our economic policy-makers and business communities regarding recovery of the real economy and continuation of reforms, inlcuding initiatives for better coordination, connecting of our markets, ideas and information, as well. In that context, I wish to convey to you my impression regarding global economic trends from the aspect of competitiveness, and reflections from the standpoint of Montenegro which could be interesting for the entire region in the following period.

- After a year since the beginning of a global economic crisis and a reaction to it by large economic and regional systems – the USA and EU, international financial institutions, IMF and World Bank, all the analysis are suggesting that the exit strategy leads towards a new economic order in which intergovernmental co-ordinations and regionalism take especially significant place. It is clear that such a new order entails the conducting of economic policies under higher risk conditions, but also more dynamic connections between financial, commodity and energy markets; more

October 06, 2009

Paris, France: UNESCO GENERAL CONFERENCE - ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF MONTENEGRO H.E. Mr. FILIP VUJANOVIĆ

Dear President of the General Conference,
Dear Chairman of the Executive Board,
Distinguished Director-General,
Dear Prime Minister of Malaysia,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to address the participants of this year’s General Conference given that Montenegro is one of the youngest member states of UNESCO and as such proves that duration of membership does not determine the quality of co-operation if it is based on the principles that promote peace, freedom and equal rights for everyone through education, science and culture.

All our gatherings do affirm these noble values and confirm our dedication to maintain such values, which through the UNESCO activities should be preserved for future generations. We are even more obliged by the current challenges to go along this path. more

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