Georgian President Zurabishvili, Montenegrin President Djukanovic Discuss Bilateral Relations
By Khatia Bzhalava
Friday, October 8
Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic is paying his very first official visit to Georgia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2007.
Djukanovic was hosted by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili at the Orbeliani Palace on Thursday, where the sides discussed the geopolitical situation of the countries and the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
“Today is a historical step in the history of our bilateral relations,” noted the President of Georgia.
According to the presidential administration, Zurabishvili briefed the Montenegrin President about the situation in the occupied territories. She emphasized that despite the occupation, Georgia is committed to following the path to European integration.
President Djukanovic reiterated Montenegro’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
It was stressed at the meeting that despite the differences between Georgia and Montenegro, the countries have a lot of similarities.
“We have come to a common conclusion that it is important to feel more involvement of the EU in the Western Balkans, as in the Caucasus,” Zurabishvili said.
Djukanovic stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Georgia and Montenegro in political, economic, and cultural fields. The president also emphasized the significance of political stability for the country. “Without political stability, you cannot reach your targets,” he said during the joint briefing with President Zurabishvili.
“Georgia is an important partner for Montenegro, especially when it comes to NATO missions.
"The main purpose of my visit to Georgia was to deepen friendly relations and express my support for your domestic and foreign policy," said the President of Montenegro.
Montenegro became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) back in 2017 and is preparing to become a member of the European Union (EU). During his official visit, the Montenegrin president has shared the experience of his country regarding NATO membership.
Within the framework of the official visit on October 7-8, Djukanovic will meet with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and will lay a wreath at the memorial to the heroes who died in the fight for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
