Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Milan Roćen received today František Lipka, appointed Charge d'Affaires and the first Head of Mission of the Republic of Slovakia in Montenegro by the letter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovakia, Miroslav Lajčák.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro was previously notified by a diplomatic note that the Republic of Slovakia has decided to open an Embassy in Podgorica.

Minister Roćen congratulated Lipka on assuming the position and said that his appointment and the opening of the Embassy is a symbol of great respect of Slovakia for Montenegro. Minister Roćen underlined that Slovak diplomacy played an important role as the EU representative in the referendum process in Montenegro and he extended his gratitude for all the help and support Bratislava provides for Podgorica on its European and Euro-Atlantic path.

František Lipka said that it gives him a great honour to be the first Slovak representative in Montenegro, with which Slovakia has excellent relations. He conveyed his Government’s willingness for further strengthening of bilateral relations, especially economic, and for providing support to Montenegro in the process of joining the EU and NATO. He emphasized the importance of the Western Balkans as one of the priorities of Slovak foreign policy and said that Slovakia advocates the fair and stimulating ‘regatta principle.’ Lipka said that Montenegro has made a big step forward since regaining independence and added that Slovakia will be a partner of confidence to Montenegro and will help it achieve its strategic goals as soon as possible.

The collocutors agreed that the opening of the Embassy of Slovakia in Podgorica will give a new impetus to the further intensification of the political dialogue between Slovakia and Montenegro and to the strengthening of the overall relations in the interest of both countries.