Montenegro and the United States marked 120 years of diplomatic relations on Wednesday with a ceremony at the Willard Hotel in Washington, where Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic reaffirmed the country’s push toward European Union membership and its close partnership with the United States.
Milatovic told attendees that “just as Americans have their American dream, Montenegro has its European dream,” saying he hopes citizens will soon benefit from a common European economy, defense structure and innovation space. He said he counts on continued U.S. support, noting that Washington played a major role in Montenegro’s reforms, its 2017 entry into NATO and its broader integration into the transatlantic community.
Members of the Montenegrin diaspora in the United States were also represented at the event. Milatovic said he counts on diaspora support to strengthen Montenegro’s future prospects and economic prosperity. Montenegro also has a substantial expatriate community in Australia, which has long maintained strong links with the country.
Australian Embassy staff and diplomatic personnel did not attend the ceremony.
Montenegro aims to join the EU by 2028, though some officials say the country could enter sooner.
President Milatovic noted the country’s growing profile as one of the hottest tourist destinations for Western travelers, as well as its rising appeal to foreign investors in sectors including energy, infrastructure and technology.
With a population just above 600,000, Montenegro is one of Europe’s smallest countries.
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