Speaker welcomes Prime Minister of Montenegro
9 July 2021
Montenegro wants to work on strengthening political dialogue with the UK, its Prime Minister told the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Dr. Zdravko Krivokapić, who was elected in December last year, said he hoped his nation could build on its 143 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The PM made the remarks during an introductory meeting arranged by Sir Lindsay Hoyle as part of his Speaker-led UK parliamentary diplomacy to establish enduring links between countries and parliamentarians.
Dr Krivokapić said: “Montenegro is on a specific, reformist, transitional and truly pro-European flight. We want to learn from an experienced country like the UK and work with the best.
“We have an enviable history of words and parliamentarism, but we certainly have something to learn from one of the oldest and most prestigious Parliaments in the world – one that nurtures a spirit of responsibility, a spirit of tolerance and togetherness that aims for the common good of the United Kingdom.”
Sir Lindsay said the UK enjoyed excellent relations with Montenegro - and cooperation on projects such as serious organised crime and the rule of law meant it was a valued partner.
Relations between the two nations were codified on 13 June 1878, when the Treaty of Berlin was signed by the UK – as well as Austria-Hungary, France, Italy, Germany and Russia - formally recognising Montenegro as an independent state.