Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic will award on Thursday his French colleague Emmanuel Macron the Order of Montenegro, the highest state decoration, during his official visit to Montenegro, the President’s office announced.

“The decision to award the Order is an expression of the highest respect for Macron for his personal contribution to strengthening the relationship between Montenegro and France, support for the country’s European perspective, as well as his commitment to the values ​​of freedom, democracy and European unity”, the press release said. 

According to Milatovic’s office, Macron will be the first French president to pay an official visit to Montenegro, as well as the first leader of one of the five permanent United Nations Security Council members to visit the country.

The visit of the French president is organized at the invitation of Milatovic, and he will also attend the EU-Western Balkans Summit, hosted in Tivat.

The Order of Montenegro is awarded to presidents of states, sovereigns and leaders of international organizations for exceptional merit and contribution to the development of relations with Montenegro.