During his visit to Chicago, Vice President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Suljo Mustafić said that emigrants in the USA, through their associations, preserved the important values and culture, affirmed the state of Montenegro and strengthened relations with the USA.
During the meeting with around one hundred members of the Association Culture Centre “Rumija” in Chicago, the participants stated that the state should devote more attention to all emigrants, through its institutions. He reminded of the diaspora’s contribution to the renewal of independence and its help through numerous donor activities and financial help to families and relatives in the homeland.
- We haven’t take enough care about diaspora, it was forgotten for a long time, and it has been helping to Montenegro, its homeland, whenever necessary. Now we have made good legislative solutions and created opportunities to make it bi-directional - state and its institutions on one side, and emigrant organisation through their representatives in the Council on the other side, Mr Mustafić said, stating that needs of emigrant communities should be respected as well as their uniqueness.
- Montenegro is multi-ethnic society and care about emigrants should be expressed through efforts for preserving their different national, linguistic and religious identity, without assimilation and with respect to uniqueness, Mr Mustafić stressed.
Additionally, conditions and climate must be created for successful entrepreneurs from diaspora to invest in their homeland.
- Montenegro is devoted to strengthening institutions, and joining NATO and European institutions will be additional incentive to the rule of law and fight against corruption and crime as well as to strengthening democratic processes and creating secure climate favourable for industrial activities, Mr Mustafić stressed, thanking to emigrants for their contribution to Montenegro’s integration.
On behalf of the Management Board of Cultural Centre “Rumija”, gathering mostly emigrants originating from Bar, Mr Asim Ćubić addressed the present, reminding of the importance and the need for more frequent direct communication with representatives of institutions from Montenegro.
During the talk, Mr Mustafić answered numerous questions of emigrants.