Milatović: I came as a friend among friends, focus is on infrastructure and better connectivity between Sarajevo and Podgorica

(Patria) - A press conference was held at the Presidency of BiH with members of the BiH Presidency and Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, who is on an official visit to BiH.

It was emphasised that the two countries should work on improving the transport infrastructure that connects them.

The members of the BiH Presidency welcomed the guest, highlighting the good and friendly relations, but also the need for stronger infrastructural and economic connectivity.

Željko Komšić stated that the relations between the two countries are good, despite some open issues, which are not a reason to strain relations.

Today, the "Business Forum Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro" will also be held at the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, which will serve as an incentive for even greater economic cooperation.

Montenegrin President Milatović said that the excellent relations between the two neighbouring countries were confirmed today.

"I am here as a friend among friends. On behalf of Montenegro, I express condolences to the families of those killed in the floods and landslides in the Jablanica area. In these extraordinary circumstances, we as countries in the region show support. Good neighbourly cooperation is an imperative of our foreign policy and it is an incentive for preserving peace and stability. I want to send that message from Sarajevo today. Key aspects of cooperation between our countries include infrastructure projects. I came via Šćepan Polje and I can express sadness over the state of the Sarajevo-Podgorica road. Sarajevo and Podgorica are the closest capital cities in the region, only about 180 km apart, but when you have such a road, it seems much further. I want to appeal to all competent authorities in BiH to focus on this road, especially the part from Foča to Montenegro," said Milatović.

He emphasised that he arrived with a large delegation of businessmen from Montenegro and that the issue of economic cooperation between the two countries is important.

"I also want to highlight the importance of railway infrastructure. Montenegro is interested in building a railway from Nikšić to Čapljina and making the Port of Bar available. The Adriatic-Ionian road is also one of Montenegro's priorities. At this moment, we are also connected by European integration. Montenegro has decisively embarked on the path of reforms, with a clear vision and goal to become the 28th EU member state in 2028. BiH has started its European path, and that truly pleases us. In Montenegro, you have a true friend when it comes to cooperation on the EU path," said Milatović.

Denis Bećirović, responding to questions from RTV Montenegro, said that the issue of infrastructure was the focus of today's talks.

"We will ask the Government of Montenegro and the Council of Ministers of BiH to speed up activities as much as possible so that we have much better connectivity between BiH and Montenegro. If we achieve that, it will greatly help the exchange of goods and the arrival of tourists from these countries," said Bećirović.

Milatović said that there are two problems on the Sarajevo-Podgorica road route.

"The first is the bridge, but we have reached an agreement on that. I believe the tender for construction should be announced. The second problem is the road from Foča to the border with Montenegro, and I ask that focus be placed on that road," said Milatović.

The Montenegrin president emphasised that there are no open issues between the two countries, and any that existed have been addressed, such as the water fee due to flooded areas.

"Another important message we sent is the shared European future, in which Montenegro is a leader. The focus on good neighbourliness is the essence of the European Union, and I think we sent that message from Sarajevo today," said Milatović.

He emphasised that if Montenegro were to become an EU member by 2028, it would be clear to the region that there is a European future for others as well.

Bećirović said that one of BiH's strategic foreign policy goals is EU membership.

"Are we moving slowly towards EU membership? The answer is yes. There is plenty of room to speed this up, and we will achieve that when all politicians understand that this is our strategic issue, rather than bickering. The essential message for us in BiH is that all political actors must understand that the EU will not adapt to BiH, but we in BiH must understand that we must adapt to the standards and criteria within the EU," said Bećirović.