Japan-Montenegro Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Djukanović of Montenegro
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 23, commencing at 4:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Meeting with H.E. Mr. Milo Djukanović, President of Montenegro, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. The meeting was also attended by Mr. NISHIMURA Akihiro, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary and others from the Japanese side, and by Mr. Milan Roćen, Chief Advisor of the President, and Ms. Tamara Brajović, Advisor of the President from the Montenegro side.
1. Opening remarks
Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Djukanović to Japan and stated, “I am pleased to hold the first Japan-Montenegro summit meeting between President Djukanović and myself. I appreciate the recent development of bilateral relations, including the visit to Japan by Minister of Foreign Affairs Darmanović of Montenegro last November.” In response, President Djukanović stated, “ It is a great honor to be able to participate to the Ceremony of Enthronement. I am grateful for wonderful hospitality and this opportunity of bilateral summit meeting.”
2. Bilateral relations
Prime Minister Abe conveyed his gratitude for the message of sympathy to those affected by Typhoon Hagibis. The two leaders also exchanged views regarding the expansion of their economic relations and exchanges. In particular, President Djukanović appreciated Japan’s economic cooperation, explained to Prime Minister Abe about Japanese companies investing in Montenegro and expressed his expectation for further advancement of Japanese companies to Montenegro.
3. Western Balkan situation
The two leaders exchanged views regarding the Western Balkan situation. Prime Minister Abe stated, “Japan supports a strongly unified Europe that shares fundamental values, and Japan will support the EU accession of the Western Balkan countries including Montenegro under the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative.” In response, President Djukanović stated, “The stability of the Western Balkans is the most important issue to Montenegro. Montenegro highly values the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative and would like to cooperate with Japan on this Initiative as a responsible partner.”