Montenegro aims to build the best possible relations with Saudi Arabia, as it is a large country with a developed and advanced economy, said the President of the Parliament, Andrija Mandić.
During his official visit to Saudi Arabia, Mandić met with the President of the Consultative Assembly of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Al al-Sheikh.
“Both sides stated that the relations between the two countries have been progressing at an increasing pace in recent years, and that the realization of this official visit, which followed shortly after the first meeting between the two parliamentary presidents, confirms this,” said the press release from the Cabinet of the President of the Assembly.
Mandić stated that Montenegro’s primary foreign policy goal is to join the European Union (EU), but also emphasized the desire for good cooperation with many countries from other parts of the world.
He reminded that Montenegro had lifted visa requirements for Saudi Arabian citizens and highlighted that opening embassies in Riyadh and Podgorica would provide an additional boost to strengthening cooperation.
Mandić expressed gratitude for the formation of a friendship group with Montenegro in the Saudi Arabian parliament at the end of the previous year, and noted that upon returning to Montenegro, he would immediately initiate the procedure for forming a friendship group in the Montenegrin Parliament.
Mandić also emphasized that Montenegro is interested in investments in tourism, hospitality, and energy sectors and added that the Montenegrin Parliament would gladly host a gathering of businesspeople from both countries.
Al al-Sheikh stressed that the proposal for organizing a business forum is excellent and fundamentally important, and he noted that the abolition of visas for his country’s citizens is a significant development. He also emphasized that the opening of two embassies is crucial for maximizing the numerous potentials arising from strong bilateral relations.
Al al-Sheikh thanked Montenegro for supporting Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030.
