President of Montenegro on official visit to Slovenia

Brdo pri Kranju, 4.3.2009  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, today received the President of the Republic of Montenegro, Mr Filip Vujanović, on his two-day official visit to Slovenia. After a reception ceremony with military honours, the two presidents had a short tête-à-tête followed by plenary talks between the Slovenian and Montenegrin delegations. By way of introduction, Dr Türk explained that due to the global economic crisis both countries are in a precarious situation, which also affects relations in Europe and issues associated with our future. This situation may thus impact Montenegro's efforts to join Euro-Atlantic structures, particularly its efforts to obtain candidate status for EU membership. To this end, President Türk emphasised that Montenegro can count on the full and principled support of the Republic of Slovenia. President Vujanović expressed his thanks for Slovenia's support, which means a great deal to Montenegro, and added that his country is striving to achieve progress in the integration process during the Czech Presidency of the EU Council.

Both presidents touched upon economic cooperation between the two countries. President Türk mentioned that he had learned that the international press had identified Montenegro as one of the most attractive new destinations for winter tourism. He jokingly said that, in his capacity as Slovenian president, he was not afraid of competition. However, he pointed out the interest of Slovenian companies in cooperating in the development of tourism in Montenegro. The Montenegrin president assessed the economic cooperation with Slovenia as extremely good, as trade and Slovenian investments in Montenegro are on increase. He said that as regards mountain tourism, Montenegro had not yet reached the Slovenian level, and therefore any exchange of experience and investment on the part of Slovenian companies in this area would be highly welcome. President Türk pointed out the interest of Slovenian companies in investments in energy, telecommunications, trade and the insurance sector. He added that there would be an opportunity for comprehensive discussion on these topics at a meeting between the two presidents and representatives of the Slovenian economy expected to take place the following day.

The Montenegrin president also expressed Montenegro's wish to sign a social security agreement with Slovenia as soon as possible. He made a positive assessment of the endeavours of the Slovenian Embassy in Montenegro, which through the joint reception centre of the EU Member States enables Montenegrin citizens to apply for a simplified visa procedure for the purpose of a short-term stay in the European Union. He articulated Montenegro's expectations that his country would succeed in achieving the elimination of the visa requirement in relation to the EU Member States by the end of this year. Both presidents agreed that visa liberalisation would be a good signal of support from the EU for the entire region. Dr Türk also informed Mr Vujanović about Slovenia's relations with neighbouring Croatia and presented the Slovenian view on resolving the border dispute, expressing the wish that this issue will finally be resolved through mediation, as suggested by the European Commission. In this context he particularly emphasised the principle of ex aequo et bono, as well as the principle of taking into consideration all historical circumstances and facts, while finding a solution which would be to the benefit of both countries. The Montenegrin president presented recent developments regarding resolution of the territorial dispute between Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia, and Montenegro's relations with other neighbouring countries.