Podgorica, (MINA) – Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar and Croatian President Zoran Milanovic will attend a reception hosted by their Montenegrin counterpart Jakov Milatovic on July 9 in Cetinje to mark Montenegro’s Statehood Day.

According to the press release from Milatovic’s office, following the historic EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, the attendance by the two heads of neighboring states, members of the EU, confirms Montenegro's reputation in the year when the country marks 20 years since the restoration of its independence.

The presence of the presidents of Slovenia and Croatia, according to the press release, sends a clear message about the strength of Montenegro’s relations with its neighbors and European partners.

“At the same time, it confirms the shared commitment to the stability of the region, good neighborly relations and the European future of the Western Balkans”, the press release adds.

The statement concludes that the presence of the presidents of Slovenia and Croatia in Cetinje, at Milatovic’s invitation, further underscores Montenegro’s position as a reliable regional partner and a country whose European progress and regional cooperation are recognized and supported.