Romania „strongly” supports the EU enlargement process with its partners in the Western Balkans and the candidate countries in the Eastern Neighborhood, President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday, noting that Montenegro has taken „important” steps in the negotiation process.

The Romanian head of state is paying an official visit to Montenegro on Wednesday, at the invitation of his counterpart, Jakov Milatovic.

„We have had extensive discussions today on Montenegro’s European path and the support Romania is granting. (…) Romania strongly supports and will continue to support the European Union’s enlargement process with its partners in the Western Balkans and the candidate countries in the Eastern Neighborhood. We are convinced that this policy is the best investment in stability, prosperity and democratic consolidation in Europe. Montenegro has taken important steps in the negotiation process and I congratulate you for your determination. Your attachment to European values is also visible in your full alignment with the European Union’s common foreign and security policy. The pace of the accession negotiations will depend on your own merits and on the results of the reforms you are implementing for the benefit of Montenegrin citizens. I assure you that Romania’s backing will continue. As will our readiness to offer relevant expertise to Montenegro wherever it is needed,” president Iohannis told a joint press conference alongside president Milatovic.

The two presidents have reconfirmed the common will to contribute to boosting economic and sectoral cooperation „that better reflects the potential of political relations”.

„We have agreed to support a stronger presence of Romanian companies in Montenegro, more contacts in the business environment, especially at the level of small and medium-sized enterprises, backed, at the same time, by an effective and regular dialogue between the authorities. We have emphasised the interest in developing cooperation in multiple areas that bring tangible benefits for citizens, such as defence, home affairs, tourism, energy, agriculture and others. For the future of our societies and of the youth, we promote opportunities to develop educational and cultural relations by boosting people-to-people contacts,” Klaus Iohannis further mentioned.

AGERPRES