Podgorica, (MINA) - Dialogue, parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation are key to preserving peace, democratic values ​​and stability in times of global crises, it was heard during the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) in Budva.

 

On the second day of the 20th PAM session, the inaugural Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of PAM Member and Partners was held under the name “Parliamentary Diplomacy as a Pillar of Resilience of Democratic Institutions”.

 

Montenegro’s Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic, opening the Summit, pointed out that the presence of high-ranking parliamentary delegations in Budva is a confirmation of the importance of parliamentary diplomacy at a time of global political, security and societal challenges.

 

According to the press release from the Parliament, he stated that dialogue, trust and responsibility are needed today more than ever, and that parliaments must remain places of meeting and cooperation, not division.

 

Speaking about the role of Montenegro, Mandic recalled that it is a state that deeply understands the importance of peace and stability, stressing that stability is preserved through wisdom, mutual respect and willingness to reach an agreement.

 

He said that peace has no alternative, especially at a time when conflicts are present in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

 

PAM Vice President and head of the Parliament of Montenegro delegation to PAM Dejan Djurovic emphasized the importance of this organization in strengthening cooperation among the countries of the Mediterranean, Europe and beyond.

 

Emphasizing the importance of the jubilee plenary session, Djurovic said that the issues uniting PAM members are much more important than the differences that divide them.

 

PAM President Giulio Centemero stated that the inaugural Summit of Speakers of Parliaments of PAM Member and Partners is an important opportunity to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation.

 

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized in a video message that the participants of the Summit are coming together at a time when peace, stability and dialogue are more necessary than ever, especially in the light of ongoing conflicts, societal divisions and numerous global challenges.

 

Guterres supported the PAM mission, emphasizing the importance of member states ‘s efforts in turning national commitments into shared values ​​and regional cooperation.

 

Assistant UN Secretary General and CTED Executive Director Natalia Gherman pointed out that PAM achieved significant results in strengthening international cooperation and dialogue through regional parliamentary diplomacy.