On 1 February 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, was on a visit in the capital city of Montenegro, Podgorica, and had meetings with senior Montenegrin officials to discuss the bilateral dialogue between Latvia and Montenegro, Montenegro’s integration with the European Union, cooperation on security and defence-related matters, latest developments in the Western Balkans, and the geopolitical security situation in Europe.
During the meetings with his Montenegrin colleagues, Edgars Rinkēvičs praised the friendly relations with Montenegro marked by a regular political dialogue. Latvia welcomes Montenegro’s participation in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Latvia, which is a significant contribution to the strengthening of security in the Baltic region. Latvia is prepared to share its experience of integration into the EU, the Foreign Minister noted.
He pointed out that, in view of the pro-European ambition clearly stated by the people of Montenegro, the process of accession negotiations should be speeded up. Further progress in the talks will depend on the fulfilment by Montenegro of mid-term criteria on the rule of law. Efforts to address freedom of the media and freedom of speech should be increased, and the fight should continue against corruption and organised crime. The progress and sustainability of reform calls for a constructive political dialogue and cooperation between political parties as well as a coordinated action by authorities, Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined.
In a discussion on the issues of current importance for the Western Balkans, Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed support for a clear EU perspective of the Western Balkans countries and a credible EU enlargement policy rooted in an individualised merit-based approach. Political, economic and social transformation is in the shared interests both of the EU and the Western Balkans. Therefore, it is vital to strengthen an inclusive regional cooperation and regional initiatives thereby bringing benefits to people and businesses. We expect the candidate countries to offer unequivocal support for European values while also communicating that to their societies, the Latvian Foreign Minister emphasised.
The officials also exchanged views on the security situation in Ukraine. Referring to cooperation in the field of security and defence, Edgars Rinkēvičs voiced an opinion that unity among the transatlantic allies was of key importance in the current security climate. The Minister thanked Montenegro for its interest in taking part in the Three Seas Initiative Summit to be held in Riga this coming June.
As part of his visit, the Foreign Minister of Latvia met with the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović; the Prime Minister, Zdravko Krivokapić; the Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Dritan Abazović; the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Aleksa Bečić; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Đorđe Radulović.
Background information:
Montenegro declared independence from Serbia on 6 June 2006, and Latvia recognised Montenegro’s independence on 12 June 2006. Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Montenegro were established on 19 June 2006. Montenegro joined NATO in 2017. Since 2018, Montenegrin troops have been part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence battle group stationed at Ādaži in Latvia.
Montenegro has been a candidate for membership of the EU since 2010, and accession negotiations were launched in 2012.