President Milatović meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
Marking Two Decades of Bilateral Ties in Cetinje
The meeting fell on the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Montenegro. President Milatović welcomed the Chinese foreign minister on the first-ever visit by a Chinese foreign minister to the country, noting that his prior studies in China gave him an understanding of the nation’s economic framework and lifestyle. While Montenegro’s primary foreign policy objective remains joining the European Union, Milatović stated that Montenegro maintains a strong commitment to its relationship with Beijing, adhering firmly to the one-China principle.
Bilateral cooperation over the past twenty years has centered on infrastructure, economic trade, and tourism. The two nations’ prime ministers met earlier in the year to reach consensus on deepening ties. Milatović expressed an expectation for continued political dialogue and pragmatic cooperation based on mutual respect.
Advancing Infrastructure and Tourism Projects
Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing that China and Montenegro respect each other and treat one another as equals regardless of size. Wang highlighted the North-South highway project as a major engineering feat and called for the high-quality completion of its second phase. He also pointed to Montenegro’s tourism potential and historical resistance to fascism, noting that China is assisting in the restoration of the Tara River bridge featured in the former Yugoslav film Bridge to encourage more Chinese travelers to visit.
During the visit to Montenegro, Wang also met with Prime Minister Spajić and held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ibrahimović, who greeted Wang at his hotel upon arrival.
Wang Views EU Membership as Compatible with Beijing
Addressing regional integration, Wang stated that China views European integration and deepening cooperation with Beijing as mutually compatible. He expressed confidence that a future EU member Montenegro would serve as a strong friend for China within the bloc and contribute to regional stability and Europe-China relations.
Wang maintained that China and the EU operate as comprehensive strategic partners rather than rivals. He noted that trade divergences stem naturally from international division of labor and market demand, and can be resolved through dialogue without undermining the broader relationship.