ATHENS – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday reaffirmed Greece’s steadfast support for the Western Balkans’ European perspective, during his meeting with visiting President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic.

This is the first official visit of a Montenegro head of state since the country gained independence in 2006.

The two top officials discussed the prospects and possibilities for further enhancing bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on the economy, commerce, energy and tourism.

Futhermore, Mitsotakis spoke of Greece’s active support for Montenegro, through the provision of knowhow to assist its accession to the European Union. Mitsotakis and Djukanovic also exchanged views on issues of regional and international interest.

Mitsotakis accepted Djukanovic’s invitation to visit Montenegro in the near future and spoke about his planned visits to the countries of the region.

On his part, the Montenegrin President referred to the friendly relations between the two countries and congratulated Mitsotakis “on the effective management of the problems we have all faced”.

Finally, Djukanovic assured Mitsotakis that his country remains steadfastly committed to the course of European integration to preserve stability and peace in the region, noting that the whole of the Western Balkans needs Greece’s support and assistance, especially in the negotiations with the EU and NATO. “We all need this protection from Greece,” he added.