INTERVIEW
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ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION IS OUR IMPERATIVE JAKOV MILATOVIĆ
Minister of Economic Development, Government of Montenegro
The government is committed to improving cooperation with EU countries, but also countries in the region, which is a good way to prepare for EU membership. It is essential to raise awareness in Montenegro, and the region as well, of the opportunities offered by closer integration and reforms he turning point in Montenegro’s history, both politically- and democratically-wise, happened on 4th December 2020. The period of monopoly was left behind us, and with the arrival of the new government came new energy, with knowledgeable, enthusiastic and wishing to create prerequisites for a better future for the Montenegrin citizens. I am satisfied with the cooperation between our two countries, but it can always improve and I think that even more attention should be paid to economic cooperation in mutual interest.”
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Focus
MONTENEGRO 2021
What will be the most important segments that the new Government will focus on? Are they European integrations, boosting regional cooperation or maybe the economy?
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We are aware that EU and NATO integrations are also a powerful driving force behind reforms, economic prosperity and the rule of law. I believe that Montenegro will remain a loyal and committed ally of NATO and that it will fulfil the obligations assumed by this membership. Montenegro's main foreign policy goal is to continue the EU accession process and ultimately become an EU member. The key to strengthening the economy and achieving a high standard that facilitates investments, economic growth and job creation lies in aligning with EU policies, so it is clear that the European vision of development
has no alternative. The government is committed and doing everything with special care in order to expedite
SERBIA IS TRADITIONALLY OUR IMPORTANT EXTERNAL TRADE PARTNER, AND THE COMMON HISTORY IS SOMETHING THAT ADDITIONALLY CONNECTS US
the negotiations with the EU. The survey conducted last year is even more encouraging, showing that 77.6% of Montenegrin citizens have a positive attitude towards the EU, compared to 66.1% in December 2019. With so much support from the citizens and the right path chosen by the Montenegrin government with Prime Minister Krivokapić at its helm, which is being committed to the integration process, I have no doubt that we will significantly contribute to the process of becoming a full-fledged member of the European family. What was the goal of your recent vis-
