Osmani: Serbia is the only country that does not want good neighbourly relations

(Patria) - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović believes that Montenegro is a country that values regional cooperation.

Addressing a press conference with his Kosovo counterpart Vjosa Osmani, he recalled that this is a reciprocal and at the same time the first official visit of the President of Kosovo to Montenegro since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

- I am convinced that good frequency and dialogue will contribute to improving quality good-neighbourly relations and interstate cooperation - said Đukanović.

He says that what is constant in relations is the commitment to European values. Instability, as he said, can only be removed through integration.

The only way

- We believe that this is the only way to strengthen stability. We understand Kosovo's ambitions to become a member of the Council of Europe, to be part of the Partnership for Peace and to obtain EU candidate status.

Not only do we understand, we also support that. We hope that the European Parliament will accept the committee's recommendation and ensure a visa-free regime for Kosovo citizens.

To the extent that citizens can get to know the EU, to that extent we will be able to affirm EU values and the goals of the region - he added.

Osmani said that as two independent sovereign countries, the relations between Kosovo and Montenegro are more special due to interpersonal relations and also due to the engagement of the Albanian community in Montenegro and the Montenegrin community in Kosovo.

- The truth is that we are meeting in a challenging time for the entire continent. That is why it is important that this visit takes place in a friendly country - stated Osmani.

In the interest of our states, she continues, is to continue the path towards full membership in European structures.

- Unfortunately, not all our neighbours share that, the leadership of one country has opened the door to Russian influence.

One leader believes that Kosovo and Montenegro are temporary projects, but although he deludes himself, Montenegro and Kosovo are independent sovereign states, peaceful, and as such will continue to exist forever.

Painful past

- We will continue to resolve issues from our painful past and walk the path of peace and stability for the sake of our peoples - added Osmani, stating that the integration of the two countries is of key importance for the stability and progress of the entire Western Balkans.

She also stated that she entered Montenegro 23 years ago as a refugee.

- 23 years ago I entered Montenegro as a refugee, and today I return as president with a clear goal to take our place in the EU - Osmani emphasised.

Asked whether she received guarantees that Montenegro would support Kosovo, Osmani said that there is only one country that does not want good neighbourly relations, reports Pobjeda.me.

- And that country is Serbia. There is no other interference except that from Russia, which entered through Serbia. That is a risk, but we will continue to work unwaveringly.

And that is the strategic goal of the EU, for all countries to join. We believe that Montenegro can help us a lot because it has taken important steps towards the EU - said Osmani.