While opening the meeting, MP Mr Nikola Gegaj informed the Delegation of Portugal with competencies of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants, activities within the Committee’s international cooperation, equally on multilateral and bilateral level. Highlighting the continuity of the Committee’s dedication to parliamentary diplomacy, Mr Gegaj pointed out the potential for cooperation of the two parliaments, which could be more substantive, intensive and fruitful. In that respect, the idea of forming an interparliamentary friendship group of Montenegro and Portugal was considered.

Chairperson of the Committee on European Affairs of the Parliament of Portugal Mr Paulo Mota Pinto commended the constructive and positive role of Montenegro in the region, as a country recognised as a factor of peace and stability. When referring to challenges of European Euro-Atlantic integration of Montenegro, the Delegation of the Committee on European Affairs expressed their unambiguous encouragement to Montenegro in its further efforts to achieve those goals.

Highlighting the significance of Montenegro’s membership in the North Atlantic Alliance for the region and the European Union, MP Mr Darko Pajović informed the Portuguese MPs that there was a majority support in the Parliament. Although the challenges in the reform of the security sector remain to be resolved, he believes that the strong support of Portugal is very significant in the year when the invitation for NATO membership is anticipated.

It was jointly concluded that the interparliamentary cooperation represented a further contribution and stimulus for the overall relations between Montenegro and Portugal. The meeting was also marked by the topics of current international issues, global challenges, but also common values based on the European principles and standards.

In addition the Chairperson of the Committee, the Delegation of the Committee on European Affairs consisted of Deputy Chairperson Mr Vitalino Canas, Ms Ana Catarina Mendes, Mr Carlos São Martinho, Mr Duarte Marques and Mr Raúl de Almeida. On behalf of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants, the meeting was attended by Mr Nikola Gegaj, Mr Jasmin Sutović and Mr Darko Pajović.