Montenegro–Serbia relations

Montenegrin–Serbian relations

Montenegro

Serbia

Montenegrin–Serbian relations are foreign relations between Montenegro and Serbia. These two countries share a common history and have had some form of relations since the creation of first Slavic states in the Balkans. After Congress of Berlin formally recognized the independence of the de facto sovereign states, relations were improving until officially established in 1897. From 1918 until the beginning of 21st century both countries were in federation trough Kingdom of Yugoslavia, SFRY, FRY until finally separating in 2006. Montenegro has an embassy in Belgrade. Serbia has an embassy in Podgorica. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). Also both countries are recognized as potential candidate countries by the European Union.

Serbia expelled the ambassador of Montenegro in October 2008, following the Montenegrin recognition of the independence of Kosovo. One year later Montenegro proposed Igor Jovović as the new ambassador. Serbia accepted him as an ambassador.[1].

Former Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic: Djukanovic Critical of Podgorica-Belgrade Relations. Milo Djukanovic, president of Montenegro’s ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, has insisted that current relations between Montenegro and Serbia are significantly weaker than they should and could be, local media report. Djuaknovic, a former Montenegrin PM and president, believes that the reason for the poor bilateral relations is that Belgrade has still not completely accepted Montenegro’s independence. Speaking to Belgrade-based television channel Kosava, Djukanovic claimed that the Serbian government is constantly flirting with powerful ideological centres in the country that do not look favourably upon the notion of Montenegrin independence. Turning to domestic affairs, Djukanovic accused a section of the Montenegrin media of leading a campaign against him. “I open a newspaper and see a column of an opinionated editor, journalist or self-proclaimed member of Montenegro’s intellectual elite, who blithely impose assessments of anything and everything. I think it would be kind of masochistic to read it,” Djukanovic said, confirming that he has no desire whatsoever to read half-page articles illustrated with his picture.[2]

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