Macron arrives in Montenegro on visit, welcomed by Milatović

(Patria) - French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived on an official visit to Montenegro, at the invitation of Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović. Milatović welcomed the French president at Podgorica Airport.

This is the first official visit of a French president to Montenegro, giving the event special historical and political significance. Milatović will award the French president the Order of Montenegro, the highest state decoration of our country. Macron arrives a day before the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, which will gather European and regional leaders.

Milatović's Cabinet said that President Macron is the first leader of one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to visit Montenegro.

His visit, at the invitation of President Milatović, comes at a time when Montenegro is hosting the European Union and Western Balkans Summit, the largest diplomatic event in modern Montenegro.

"Hosting the Summit is a confirmation of Montenegro's new international credibility and the result of strong diplomatic activity by President Milatović. During his term, Montenegro has been visited by as many as 14 leaders of European Union member states, which clearly shows that Montenegro today has a more visible and stronger position on the European stage," the statement said.

The President's Cabinet said that Montenegro is in the final phase of its European path and today participates on an equal footing in discussions about the future of the European Union.

"That is precisely why the Summit in Tivat and President Macron's visit represent a strong confirmation of the goal for Montenegro to become the next member of the European Union by 2028.

The awarding of the Order of Montenegro to President Macron is a recognition of a statesman who has made a significant contribution to strengthening the friendship between the two countries and supporting Montenegro's European future," the statement highlights.

The Order of Montenegro is awarded to heads of state, sovereigns, and leaders of international organizations for exceptional merits and contributions to the development of friendly relations with Montenegro.