Skopje, 28 November 2025 (MIA) – President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović during their meeting in Cetinje reaffirmed that Macedonian – Montenegrin relations are defined by traditional friendship, mutual understanding, and a common strategic aspiration to join the EU.

They discussed the European perspective of the Western Balkans, the challenges each country faces on the path to integration, and the opportunities for overcoming them, as stated by Siljanovska-Davkova’s Office.

Highlighting that Montenegro is the frontrunner in the EU negotiation process, Milatović expressed strong support for every step forward in North Macedonia’s integration efforts.

He said that today’s joint participation in the 2025 Balkan Integration Forum reflects Europe’s interest in the region and offers an excellent opportunity to share experiences.

As a strong supporter of a regional approach to Euro-integration through mutual cooperation and support, President Siljanovska-Davkova underscored the importance of building good-neighbourly relations through open and honest dialogue, avoiding the use of vetoes.

Siljanovska-Davkova pointed out that as long as we are asked to meet additional conditions beyond the Copenhagen criteria, there will be a risk of disregarding the EU’s fundamental values and principles, without which it is reduced to a political and bureaucratic machinery.

During the meeting, Siljanovska-Davkova invited Milatović for an official visit to the country, and he gladly accepted.

The presidents then visited the Museum of King Nikola in Cetinje.

Photo: President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova’s Office