Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to Government representatives, the cooperation agreement in the field of energy with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) paves the way for Montenegro to become an energy-stable platform for new industries, while the opposition raised concerns that it does not sufficiently protect national interests.

 

Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Sahmanovic said that the agreement goes beyond energy, encompassing development, technology and broader societal progress, and could position Montenegro as an energy-stable platform for new industries.

 

Speaking in Parliament today during the debate on the Bill ratifying the energy cooperation agreement between the governments of Montenegro and the UAE, he said this is neither a technical piece of legislation nor an administrative formality.

 

“This is a strategic decision – a decision about the direction in which we want Montenegro to develop in the decades to come,” Sahmanovic said.

 

He added that Montenegro is now a regional leader in meeting obligations towards the European Union in the energy sector, noting that significant work had been done over the past year.

 

According to him, Montenegro has ambition, natural resources and clearly defined European goals, but lacks domestic capital for the implementation of large, capital-intensive energy projects.

 

“That is why we need strong, reliable and financially capable partners who have the knowledge, experience and capacity to turn ideas into concrete projects,” he added.

 

He said the UAE is not an unknown or risky partner, but a country with a long-term vision, a pragmatic development approach and proven results.

 

MP Milan Knezevic of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) described the agreement as both an act of treason and capitulation, similar to the agreement with businessman Mohamed Alabbar and the intention to grant airports to South Korean partners.

 

“This agreement should land someone in prison. Instead of the Special Police Department arresting Prime Minister Milojko Spajic today, they are arresting former minister Vesna Bratic, while Spajićcs cases are being put in a drawer as he sells and dismantles Montenegro,” Knezevic said.

 

He said that Montenegro is being totally sold off to the Emirates and alleged corruption behind it.