“Lithuania remains a strong supporter of Montenegro’s European integration. We welcome the country’s full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), its participation in the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy missions, and efforts to implement the necessary reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law”, said L. Linkevičius.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister is glad that the relationship between Lithuania and Montenegro has recently intensified at interparliamentary, ministerial, and other institutional levels. Linkevičius also highlighted the importance of further cooperation on issues of particular interest to both sides, such as strategic communication, cybersecurity, sharing experiences of European integration, and economic diplomacy.
The Lithuanian Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of security and stability in the Western Balkans for the whole of Europe. “Montenegro has set an excellent example of Euro-Atlantic integration in the region and plays an important stabilizing role in the Western Balkans. The accession of Montenegro to NATO in 2017 and its active participation in international missions contribute not only to the Western Balkans, but also to security and stability of the Baltic region and all NATO members," said L. Linkevičius.
In addition, Montenegro officially opened its Honorary Consulate in Lithuania, which is headed by Daiva Perevičienė. It is the first Honorary Consulate of the Western Balkan country in Lithuania.
Montenegro is the closest candidate country to the EU membership. The country has consistently aligned with the CFSP positions. Accession negotiations started in June 2012.
