Cetinje, (MINA) – Montenegro and France are strengthening their strategic partnership and helping shape Europe’s future together, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said after the representatives of the two governments signed several cooperation agreements.

 

The agreements cover the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, and a memorandum of understanding on a joint strategy to raise awareness of EU enlargement.

 

In his address following the signing ceremony, Spajic emphasized the importance of the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Montenegro and the progress in bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

 

 

He recalled that in 2024, when he met with Macron for the first time, there were no major French companies in Montenegro, but that the cooperation agreements signed last year triggered an avalanche of interest among French companies in Montenegro.

 

Macron thanked his host and said that the visit to Montenegro is important for the friendship between the two countries, because it is historic visit, that is, the first visit by a French president.

 

He added that the moment of the visit is both symbolic and decisive, coming as Montenegro marks 20 years since the restoration of independence, and continues to make significant progress on its EU path.

 

Macron reiterated that the Western Balkans belongs in the EU, emphasizing that this implies not only commitment to the implementation of reforms, but also to values ​​such as the rule of law.

 

 

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic and France’s Minister Delegate for Europe and Foreign Affairs Benjamin Haddad, signed a memorandum of understanding on a joint strategy to raise awareness of EU enlargement.

 

The agreement on the project and construction of the new University Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica was signed by Minister of Public Works Maida Adzovic and Deputy Director General of Bouygues Batiment International Christophe Petit.

 

A Memorandum of Understanding on the development of the A2-2 Adriatic-Ionian Road section was signed by Monteput General Manager Milan Ljiljanic and Bouygues Travaux Public Development Director Benoit Lange.

 

The Annex to the framework agreement on a non-binding credit line between the French Development Agency and Montenegro was signed by Finance Minister Novica Vukovic and Deputy Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD) Bertrand Walckenaer.