Montenegro and China agree to expand practical cooperation

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic met visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Podgorica on Sunday, with both sides expressing readiness to strengthen bilateral ties and expand practical cooperation.

Spajic asked Wang to convey his greetings to the Chinese leadership and said the visit demonstrated the importance Beijing attaches to relations with Montenegro.

The prime minister said China remains one of Montenegro's important development partners. He highlighted the role of Chinese companies in the construction of the country's north-south expressway and the ongoing joint restoration of the Tara River Bridge, which both sides regard as a symbol of traditional friendship.

Montenegro is interested in expanding cooperation with China in tourism, infrastructure and the green transition, as well as in exchanging experience in governance.

Spajic also welcomed progress in China-EU trade and investment consultations. He stressed that joining the European Union remains Montenegro's top foreign-policy priority while the country seeks to continue developing its ties with Beijing.

Wang said China regards Montenegro as a long-standing and reliable partner. He noted that the upcoming 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations provides an opportunity to further elevate bilateral ties.

The Chinese foreign minister said Beijing is ready to expand cooperation with Montenegro across various fields and supports its efforts to join the European Union, viewing EU accession as compatible with stronger China-Montenegro relations.

The two sides also emphasized multilateral cooperation, free trade and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

According to CCTV+, China and Montenegro plan to use the upcoming 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations to deepen political dialogue and expand cooperation in the economy, infrastructure, tourism and green development.