Skopje, 31 March 2026 (MIA) - Our friendship goes beyond the usual diplomatic phrases about the absence of open issues. It is substantial, lived, and real. It is a friendship that has been built by individuals, like our great writer Radovan Zogović, who recognized in both the Montenegrin and Macedonian character the same indomitable spirit of freedom. That is the thread that binds us, and it can be seen in the work of your great writer and revolutionary Kocho Racin, who saw in his Montenegrin comrades brothers united by ideals of justice, said Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović in his address before the Macedonian Parliament on Tuesday.

Milatović, who is on his first official visit to the country, stressed that Montenegro now stands at the doors of the European Union and expects to become its first new member.

“We want to become the 28th member state in 2028. However, I want to clearly state that our vision is incomplete without you. Our vision is the Western Balkans as an integral part of the European family,” Milatović said. 

In foreign policy, Milatović said the two countries are moving “in step together” and that Montenegro is proud it was able to extend a hand to North Macedonia on its NATO membership. “Today we reaffirm our full alignment with Euro-Atlantic values,” Milatović said.

Touching upon the cooperation between the two countries, the Montenegrin President said the cooperation in the economy, infrastructure, energy, and tourism should not remain merely at the level of potential.

“Our duty is to jointly connect our economies institutionally and modernize our societies, so the results of our policies become measurable through better life for each citizen,” Milatović added.

The President said the two countries remain guiding examples of respect and appreciation for diversity in times of great global challenges.

“In that way, we make a key contribution to our shared region, sending a clear message from both Skopje and Podgorica that different faiths and nations are not walls that divide us, but bridges that strongly bind and unite us,” the Montenegrin President said before the MPs. 

Milatović’s address to Parliament was attended by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, members of the Government, representatives of the judiciary, religious leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps in the country.

In Parliament, President Milatović also held a meeting with Speaker Afrim Gashi. 

Photo: MIA