Skopje, (MINA) - Montenegro and North Macedonia remain committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing the European path of the region, said the presidents of the two countries, Jakov Milatovic and Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Skopje, Milatovic said that his visit to North Macedonia represents the continuation of Montenegro’s intensive regional engagement and further confirmation of its commitment to strengthening cooperation in the region.

He emphasized that the two countries are connected by deep historical ties, as well as permanent cultural ties and mutual support in key moments.

Milatovic said that he discussed with Siljanovska Davkov the further improvement of bilateral cooperation, as well as NATO membership and the European perspective of the region.

“As a front-runner of the accession process, Montenegro strongly supports North Macedonia’s European path. You will always have an ally and full support in us”, said Milatovic.

Siljanovska Davkova said that the meeting with Milatovic is an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between North Macedonia and Montenegro, noting that it is being held ahead of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

She assessed that the two countries represent a good example of regional good-neighborly relations, as well as successful cooperation within NATO.

Siljanovska Davkova emphasized that she sees the integration of the region in the EU as a shared goal of Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Siljanovska Davkova said that Montenegro’s potential membership in the EU in 2028 would be a success not only for Montenegro but also for the region, sending a message to other candidates that the reforms are paying off, that the enlargement policy is alive and that the future of the region is in the EU.

Answering the journalist’s questions, the two presidents said that at the moment there are no concrete decisions on possible military engagement within NATO regarding the potential activities of the United States in the Middle East, including the situation in Iran.

Milatovic said that military participation is not currently under consideration, stating that NATO member states would respond in a timely manner according to each specific request.