President Radev: Bulgaria supports Montenegro's efforts on its path to the EU

Bulgaria supports Montenegro's European integration, said Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev, who is on an official visit in Montenegro on June 17 at the invitation of his counterpart Jakov Milatović. The two presidents expect a direct flight connection between Sofia and Podgorica to be opened soon.

Bulgaria and Montenegro have an excellent high-level dialogue based on deep cultural and historical ties, Presidents Jakov Milatovic and Rumen Radev said at a joint press conference.

Bulgaria supports Montenegro's efforts on its path towards the EU and will continue to help with expert and technical assistance, President Rumen Radev assured.

"I thank Bulgaria for its strong support because it always lends a hand when we need support. Our goal is for Montenegro to become the 28th EU member state in 2028," said Jakov Milatovic.

"It is very important that you set an example to other countries that the principles of own merits, of deep reforms should be the guiding principles in order to meet all the membership criteria and to make the process sustainable and irreversible," Rumen Radev stressed.

The two presidents discussed the opportunities for deepening cooperation in the economic, energy, IT and tourism sectors.

"It is very important that you set an example to the other countries that the principles of own merits, of deep reforms should be the guiding principles in order to meet all the criteria for membership and to make the process sustainable and irreversible," Rumen Radev stressed.

The two presidents discussed the opportunities for deepening cooperation in the economic, energy, IT and tourism sectors.

"A key condition for all this is to have better connectivity. This is an important prerequisite to develop cooperation in all other sectors. I expect our governments to work even more actively, both for all projects and for the opening of a direct Sofia-Podgorica airline," Rumen Radev said.

Milatovic and Radev also noted the good ties within NATO. The Bulgarian President thanked Montenegro for sending 42 servicemen, who are part of the multinational battalion, to support the defence of NATO's Eastern flank.