Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro is closer to its EU membership than ever before, which is the result of many years of work and reforms, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, adding that nations that believe in their future cannot be stopped.

He said this in Nicosia, during a press conference with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides.

According to the press release from his office, Milatovic said that the relations between Montenegro and Cyprus represent an example of sincere friendship, political trust and shared commitment to European values.

According to Milatovic, in times of great global challenges, sincere partnerships and mutual trust are especially important.

He said that the European path represents the most important moment in modern Montenegrin history.

“For us, the EU is not an administrative goal, nor a bureaucratic process. The EU is a value-based choice. The choice of a country where the law applies equally to everyone, where institutions function and where people live safer and better”, said Milatovic.

He thanked Cyprus for supporting Montenegro’s European path.

Milatovic welcomed the start of the work of the ad hoc working party for drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty, launched during the current Cypriot presidency, and thanked Christodoulides for the key support in that process.

Speaking about bilateral relations, he emphasized that Montenegro seeks a stronger partnership with Cyprus through investments, economy and joint development projects, especially in tourism, energy, infrastructure and services.