Podgorica, (MINA) - President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, chas alled on the leaders of the Western Balkans countries to stop declaring the citizens of neighboring countries persona non grata because, adding that this does not contribute to strengthening of regional cooperation and unnecessarily burdens dialogue.

Milatovic is participating in the Brdo – Brioni Process leaders’ summit in Albania, focused on European integration, the EU Growth Plan, brain drain from the region, and regional cooperation and security.

According to the press release from his office, Milatovic said at the meeting that when Europe is facing some of the most complex challenges of the present time, the core value of the Brdo - Brioni Process is “to bring people together, build trust and overcome differences”.

“Our relations with our neighbors are not an alternative to European integration, they are its natural extension”, said Milatovic.

“I want to call on everyone at this table to stop declaring citizens of the region persona non grata. Although we have different points of view on certain political issues, this is not the way to strengthen regional cooperation and unnecessarily burdens dialogue”, said Milatovic.

He recalled that at the recent European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen, he sent a message to the EU leaders that enlargement is not a gift, but a strategic investment in the peace, stability and prosperity of the European continent.

Milatovic added that the Western Balkans candidate countries are standing in front of the same door.

“But, as in the past, the EU must view our membership not as a concession, but as an investment – a strategic choice to ensure peace, security and democratic resilience throughout Europe”, said Milatovic.

According to him, the countries of the Western Balkans need strong, visible and permanent support from the EU, as well as a clear political decision in order to successfully complete the integration process.