It was announced at the Debate panel with the European Ambassadors, Luka Celioli, “Bilateral relations between Montenegro and Italy – European context” held in EU info Center in Podgorica.
The ambassador of Italy in Montenegro, Luka Celioli, said that those two counties have long standing cooperation in various fields. Montenegro and Italy have good cooperation in political relations and Italy supports Montenegro on its path to the European Union. Speaking about relations between the two countries he recalled the extraordinary bilateral relations between Montenegro and Italy which were specifically strengthened by Montenegrin membership in NATO. In his speech he shared cooperation experiences through many Italian investments, reforms support especially when it comes to rule of law, cooperation in culture and educational domain, as well as overall support in process of European integration. He added that Montenegro and Italy beside political cooperation also have good cooperation in economy especially in domain of energetic and culture. When it comes to the projects, he mentioned investment in energy by Terna in submarine cable project from Italy to Montenegro. Speaking about cultural cooperation he pointed out a significant number of cross border projects which involves entities from Montenegro and Italy- Celioli said. Looking at the relations between these countries in the past he emphasized the great jubilee in Italian – Montenegrin relations which has lasted 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations these countries. He stated country’s view that Europe is not complete without successfully integrated Western Balkans countries. Italy particularly appreciates Montenegro’s regional policy, although geographically small it plays a significant role in the stability of the entire region. The president of the CPEU, Gordana Djurovic, said that Italy has implemented various projects of support to institutions in Montenegro. The cooperation was mostly realized in culture, energy and economy – she said.