Montenegro’s PM Positively Views Open Balkan Initiative

Dritan Abazovic, Porfirije/BETAPHOTO/Rade Koprivica

Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic on June 30 reiterated that his opinion of the Open Balkan initiative was positive, adding that the possibility of Montenegro joining the initiative would be discussed in an open dialogue with all interested parties in the country.

“In Montenegro, this matter has not been so far treated in a way it should be and reasons are many, possibly due to insufficient interest or lack of information. I think that in open communication, which has been maintained over the past month or two, we have been resolving some dilemmas with citizens or decision-makers,” Abazovic told reporters in Belgrade, during his two-day visit.

He also said that the Montenegrin government had set up a working group to address this matter. “There is no rush, but we are all aware of the need for improving regional cooperation. Modalities leading toward that goal should be presented. After that, I think that there will be no obstacles to realization,” Abazovic specified.

Abazovic also met with Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, saying he hoped that the signing of a Fundamental Agreement would be completed “in the best possible way,” and that the Montenegrin government would give its contribution. He added that the agreement would be signed in Montenegro, while the date was yet to be agreed. After meeting Abazovic, Patriarch Porfirije said that the adoption of this document could be “the crown” in normalization of relations between Montenegro and the Serbian Orthodox Church.