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The mutual will to further strengthen bilateral relations in all areas was expressed today by the President of the Republic Mr. Jakov Milatovic, following their meeting and expanded talks at the Presidential Palace, in the framework of President Milatovic's official visit to Cyprus, who underlined the role of Cyprus both within the European Union (EU) and in the region.
In his statements to the media after the expanded talks between the Cyprus-Montenegro delegations, President Christodoulides said, among other things, that the two countries are small, yet their political footprint and regional influence is comparatively much greater.
He added that at the bilateral level, diverse and mutually beneficial synergies are gradually being built in a wide range of sectors such as tourism, trade and investment, while there is ample room for improvement.
To this end, the President said, consultations were held to further strengthen bilateral relations also in the fields of education, shipping, culture and technology, for which, he said, a roadmap will be prepared with a view to signing Memoranda of Understanding, noting that the culmination of bilateral cooperation will be Montenegro's accession to the EU.
The President of the Republic assured his Montenegrin counterpart of Cyprus' readiness to provide technical support to Montenegro in its efforts to harmonise with the European acquis.
President Christodoulides also stressed that security and stability in the Western Balkans are of great importance for Europe, while referring to the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the European Union (EU), he expressed the hope that Cyprus will make a decisive contribution to the goal of Montenegro's accession.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic noted that he briefed his counterpart on the current situation, marking the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation.
"I assured the President that my vision, as well as my sole ambition, from the first day I took office, is to end the 50-year occupation and to reunite my country so that all Cypriots can live in a brighter common future. In this effort, the supportive attitude of our partners, such as Montenegro, is of great importance", the President of the Republic said, while expressing thanks to the President of Montenegro for his country's principled stance on the Cyprus problem.
For his part, President Milatovic said, inter alia, that Cyprus and Montenegro enjoy excellent bilateral relations, adding that there are, however, prospects for strengthening them in all areas.
He added that to this end, the Montenegrin Ministers of Transport and Foreign Affairs will come to Cyprus to sign Memoranda of Understanding and to strengthen relations at the political level.
He also said that the two countries will sign Memoranda of Understanding in the fields of education and culture, noting his country's interest in strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of economy, energy and tourism.
The President of Montenegro congratulated Cyprus on the 20th anniversary of its EU accession, noting that Cyprus is a model of making the most of EU membership for the benefit of its people, while expressing gratitude for the Republic of Cyprus' assistance to Montenegro in its accession process.
President Milatovic also expressed appreciation for the role played by Cyprus in the region and its actions in providing humanitarian aid, calling the Republic of Cyprus a model in the region for this action. He also expressed his country's willingness to participate in these actions.
In addition, the Montenegrin President said that his country's Security Council has decided to send soldiers to participate in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), along with their compatriots who are already serving in UNFICYP.
Finally, President Milatovic extended an invitation to the President of the Republic to visit Montenegro.
(PM/EP/MS)
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