On May 29 th, the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia was celebrated in Podgorica. The ceremony began with the anthems of Croatia, Montenegro, and the European Union. Among the guests were the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, the Consul General of the General Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Kotor Jasminka Lončarević, Member of the Parliament of Montenegro Adrijan Vuksanović, President of the Croatian National Council Zvonimir Deković, as well as numerous representatives of the political and public life of Montenegro and Croatia.
In his speech, the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Montenegro, H.E. Veselko Grubišić, thanked Klapa “Cambi” and the Women’s Choir “Alata” for performing the anthems of the Republic of Croatia, Montenegro, and the European Union. He congratulated Montenegro on its Independence Day, expressing his satisfaction with the celebration in Cetinje on May 21st.
Ambassador Grubišić reminded the attendees of the establishment of the first multi-party Croatian Parliament 34 years ago, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of Croatian identity. He highlighted the importance of the 22 constitutional national minorities in Croatia as bridges to other countries.
He stressed that Croatia is today a stable European state, a respected member of the UN, NATO, and the EU, with an excellent international image. He particularly emphasized the importance of good neighborly relations with Montenegro and offered support for its Euro-Atlantic path.
“The Republic of Croatia views Montenegro as an important and significant neighbor. We want to help you as much as possible. We are at your disposal with our expertise in the field of knowledge transfer and good neighborly goodwill. Do not let those who want to hinder, delay, or at least somewhat obstruct your Euro-Atlantic path discourage you. I appeal to all progressive forces in this beautiful country to prevent malignant influences from outside and internal attempts to disrupt Croatian-Montenegrin relations,” said Ambassador Grubišić.
He expressed condolences to Ukraine for the current suffering and concluded that Croatia will never abandon Montenegro, calling for continued positive cooperation between the two countries.
The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, also addressed the attendees, stating that the enhancement of economic cooperation, credible partnership within NATO, and Croatia’s selfless support for Montenegro’s European path are the most important pillars of the bilateral relations between the two countries. He emphasized the need to strengthen friendship and create a common future within the EU.