29 May 2019 - Montenegrins in Kosovo and Albanians in Montenegro are two pillars of a cooperation bridge between our countries and we will work together not to make an unstable Balkan bridge, but to make a solid European bridge, Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the opening of the Development Centre of Montenegrins of Kosovo.
"The Centre will contribute to strengthening ties with the home country as a place of gathering of the Montenegrin community and cherishing identity, culture, tradition and its values. At the same time, the Centre will be another strong link for strengthening existing ties and strengthening the overall cooperation between the two friendly states – Montenegro and Kosovo," said Prime Minister Marković, who is paying an official visit to Kosovo.
He added that he is glad that talks with the Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj and other leaders, at the same time friends of Montenegro from Kosovo, convey decisive messages of a strong commitment to improving the status, constitutional recognition of Montenegrins in Kosovo, gaining seats in the Parliament.
"The evidence of this commitment is precisely today's activity, which, besides the great contribution of the Association of Montenegrins of Kosovo, the Diaspora Administration, the Embassy of Montenegro in Kosovo and other friends, was supported by the competent institutions of Kosovo, not only in material, but in the essential sense," Prime Minister Marković said and thanked his counterpart Haradinaj for seeing significance of everything that the Development Centre is and should become in the upcoming period.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the spirit of contemporary Montenegro built on democratic values has the elements of multiethnicity, multiculturalism and respect for equality among its citizens, regardless of their nationality, political or religious orientation. That is, he said, the asset we are proud of.
"I want to use this festive occasion to convey a message to all Montenegrins living in Kosovo and anywhere in the world – Montenegro will never forget your contribution to the preservation of Montenegrin identity and awareness of its importance while being constructive and loyal citizens of the countries you live in. I assure you that Montenegro will continue to support all your activities that are aimed at cherishing such values," Prime Minister Marković stressed.
He emphasised the importance of respecting diversity and cherishing European civilization values. PM Marković said that good-neighbourly cooperation is the basis for the joint goals of our two countries, reflected in the commitment to belonging to European and Euro-Atlantic structures.
Opening the Centre with Prime Minister Marković, Prime Minister of Kosovo Haradinaj said that Kosovo is the home of all citizens. President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci said that the Republic of Kosovo and Montenegro will always be friendly countries, while President of the Assembly of Kosovo Kadri Veseli said that the Montenegrins in Kosovo should feel like they are in Montenegro.
President of the Association of Montenegrins of Kosovo Slobodan Vujačić said that the Development Centre will be the home of all Montenegrins from Kosovo and urged the Government of Montenegro to strengthen the economic presence in Kosovo.
Alongside the highest officials of Kosovo – the President of the State, the President of the Assembly and the Prime Minister, representatives of the diplomatic corps and numerous representatives of Montenegrins in Kosovo also attended the opening of the Centre.
Prime Minister Marković continues his visit to Kosovo with a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Haradinaj, after which a joint press conference will be held. During his stay in Kosovo, the Prime Minister of Montenegro will attend the opening of the Arben Xhaferi motorway.
