Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srđan Darmanović, who is paying a visit in Tirana.

Minister Bushati expressed satisfaction as the first visit of his Montenegrin counterpart soon after taking office was in Tirana, which shows the very close neighboring relations and the importance that both countries attach to enhancement of their cooperation.

At meeting with Minister Darmanović, Minister Bushati underscored the importance of deepening relations between the two countries both in the bilateral and regional levels as well as in terms of the common Euro-Atlantic perspective. He highlighted the need for the realization of cross-border projects with direct impact on sustainable development and improvement of living standards for populations on both sides of the border. The two ministers focused on the importance of enhancing cooperation in the framework of the Berlin Process and connectivity projects as a qualitative development to advancement of the region towards the European family.

Appreciating the role of the respective minorities as bridges of cooperation between our two countries, Minister Bushati welcomed the agreement reached among the parties of the ruling coalition in Montenegro, which includes the fulfillment of some of the requirements of the Albanian population. He also encouraged his Montenegrin counterpart on progress towards instituting municipality of Tuzi. In this context, Minister Bushati emphasized the need for a serious and comprehensive review of their legitimate right to representation, economic and cultural rights, a better integration in society, in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

On his behalf, Foreign Minister Darmanović confirmed his government's commitment to the continuation of intensive bilateral cooperation and to Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration to the final end of NATO and EU membership. In this regard, Minister Darmanović thanked Minister Bushati for the support that Albania has given to Montenegro during the process of accession into NATO. "Albania has supported Montenegro on its path towards NATO, considering it a merit-base process and a significant investment for the security of our region," Minister Bushati said.

The two ministers dwelt on the geopolitical situation and the latest developments that the Adriatic Europe and the Western Balkans are facing today, underscoring the need for better coordination in meeting common challenges