Podgorica, (MINA) – Participation in the large military parade on the occasion of France’s Bastille Day, is another confirmation that Montenegro belongs to the European family, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic said.

According to the press release from his cabinet, Milatovic attended the military parade in Paris on Monday, marking the national holiday of France, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The press release said that Milatovic was among the heads of state and government who attended the military parade, together with the leaders of the EU and NATO countries.

Montenegro was also represented at the ceremony by members of the Montenegrin Armed Forces, who carried the Montenegrin national flag along one of the most famous European avenues.

Milatovic assessed that this event held strong national, allied and European significance for Montenegro.

He added that he took the opportunity to speak with numerous European leaders on the sidelines of the gathering in Paris.

“The message I heard was clear: Montenegro is the next EU member. It is up to us to close all negotiation chapters by the end of this year. I am optimistic that by 2028 we will achieve our strategic goal and become the 28th member state of the EU”, said Milatovic.