President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova welcomed Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović in Skopje with the highest state and military honors during his official visit, with the meeting centered on bilateral ties, regional cooperation, and the European future of the Western Balkans. After the official reception, the two presidents held a tête-à-tête meeting followed by a plenary session of the two delegations, where they discussed political relations between the two countries, economic cooperation, and cooperation in education, digitalization, culture, and tourism. The talks also focused on regional and international developments, with particular emphasis on European integration and the need to accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union amid rising security risks linked to current global conflicts. It was underlined that Montenegro is the leading EU candidate country, while North Macedonia’s European path continues to face blockages and conditions related to constitutional amendments.
At the joint press conference in Villa Vodno, Milatović said he had come “as a friend among friends” and even “as a brother in a brotherly state,” stressing the sincere friendship, mutual respect, and historical closeness between the two countries, as well as their record of solidarity and support. He said North Macedonia would always have an ally and full support in Montenegro while reiterating Podgorica’s goal of becoming the EU’s 28th member state as proof that the European perspective of the region is not only a dream but can become a reality. Siljanovska-Davkova said the two countries had once again confirmed that they are an excellent example of good-neighborly relations and cooperation, including within NATO, and that the visit had further strengthened mutual trust. She emphasized that both sides share a vision of a stable and prosperous region integrated into the EU, and said regional cooperation and mutual support among Western Balkan countries are imperative if the region is to move forward. She also noted agreement on the need to increase economic cooperation, especially in construction, tourism, and energy, and pointed to the possible reopening of an air route between Skopje and Podgorica or Tivat.
A concrete outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the youth councils within the cabinets of the two presidents, which is intended to strengthen communication and youth involvement as an important driver of reform and European processes. According to the announced agenda, Milatović is also expected to lay a wreath at the grave of Goce Delčev in the Church of St. Spas in Skopje and, together with Siljanovska-Davkova, take part in a lecture at the “Iustinianus Primus” Faculty of Law at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. Overall, the visit conveyed a message of close friendship, stronger bilateral cooperation, and shared commitment to a more connected, stable, and European Western Balkans.
