President George Abela was this morning officially welcomed in Montenegro by President Filip Vujanovic at the Presidential Palace in Cetinje.

Following an exchange of decorations, the Presidents held a one-to-one meeting followed by official talks, accompanied by their respective official delegations.

President Vujanovic described today’s talks as another opportunity to further strengthen the long standing and strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Abela said the visit was very important. It followed up on a visit by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg in April, which continued to strengthen the bilateral ties that existed between the two countries.

Malta strongly adhered to the EU perspective for all the western Balkan countries and believed that the rightful place of all western Balkan states was in the EU. So Montenegro would always find in Malta a strong supporter of its European aspirations.

President Abela had talks with the Prime Minister Milo Dukanovic at Villa Gorica in Podgorica.

Early in the afternoon, the President, who is accompanied by Minister Borg and Richard Cachia Caruana, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary permanent representative to the European Union, as well as senior officials representing Maltese institutions, attended a business forum at the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro where he delivered the opening speech.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and the Chamber of the Economy of Montenegro.

Later today, President Abela will be attending a state dinner hosted by President Vujanovic at the Government House Building.