- Small states share many similar challenges and aspirations, primarily in the process of preserving their identity and strengthening their economies. Therefore, this conference is an excellent opportunity to exchange information, ideas and opportunities of each state individually, as well as mutual cooperation in areas where there is a common interest – it was concluded at bilateral meetings of the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Ivan Brajović with his counterparts from Malta, Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Monaco, and Liechtenstein, within the Twelfth Conference of Presidents of the Parliaments of Small European States with population of less than a million.
Similar conclusions were formalised in the Joint Declaration of the Conference, which, among other things, stated that the independence and sovereignty of the small states during the past had been endangered in many situations throughout Europe and throughout the centuries, thus emphasising the need for the strengthening of cooperation in order to raise awareness about the specific the situations of each of these states.
With regard to their relations with Montenegro, all interlocutors concluded unequivocally that multi-level parliamentary cooperation, exchange of experiences, and promotion of common interests should be strengthened. All small states have tourism as their main economic branch, therefore it is especially significant for Montenegro to use best practices of these states, which include some of the most developed states in Europe.
Cyprus and Malta reiterated their unqualified support to Montenegro's EU membership, while in a conversation with the Speaker of the Icelandic Parliament the strengthening of the NATO partnership was noted.
In his statement following the meeting with President Brajović, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta Mr Angelo Farrugia said:
I was in Montenegro in 2006 during a referendum, when your country decided to be completely independent from Serbia. Immediately afterwards, we have established diplomatic relations and now we have excellent relations with Montenegro. Also, I can confirm that the leaders of our countries as well as ministers have good cooperation. There are investments in the energy in Montenegro. As a member of the European Union we look forward to and support that Montenegro will be the first country to join in the enlargement process of the European Union.”
The President of the National Council of Monaco Mr Stéphane Valeri voiced his pleasure over the meeting with the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, because, as he said “we have a lot of things to do. We have to use these opportunities to increase the economic partnership. In Monaco we have a very good image of your country, you have a fantastic, beautiful country and you did a lot of to develop it in the last 12 years.“
The Speaker of the Parliament of Liechtenstein expressed his satisfaction about the meeting with the President of the Parliament of Montenegro and his active participation in the conference, and expressed the expectation of strong participation during the upcoming gatherings as well.
During the conference, there was also an official audience with His Highness Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein. In a brief conversation, the President of the Parliament informed the Prince about interesting stories from Montenegro's history and culture, as well as its economic and foreign policy priorities.
Footage of bilateral meetings
Statements by Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta Mr Angelo Farrugia and President of the National Council of Monaco Mr Stéphane ValeriMedia statement - Malta - Angelo Farrugia
Media statement - Monaco - Mr Stéphane Valeri
