Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro wants to resolve all open issues with Croatia before becoming a member of the European Union (EU), said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic, adding that communication with Zagreb gives reason for optimism.

During a press conference in Strasbourg, answering a journalist’s question, she said that there is very good communication between the ministries of foreign affairs of Montenegro and Croatia.

Gorcevic said that Montenegro succeeded to close 13 chapters so far with the help of Croatia and its experts.

"We want to resolve all the issues before joining the EU. Communication is ongoing and I hope that in the upcoming months we will resolve most of the issues, but for some of them we’ll need some time”, said Gorcevic.

She stated that communication between the ministries of foreign affairs of the two countries is a reason for optimism.