Djukanovic: Small country, but important partner in Balkans

BEOGRAD - Economic development has a crucial role in strengthening regional stability, and although it is one of the smallest European countries, Montenegro is the place where some of the largest projects in Europe have been started, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic said in an exclusive opinion piece for Tanjug ahead of the Third Meeting of Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European countries in Belgrade, which Tanjug publishes in full.

Montenegro is the smallest Balkan country, with the GDP of EUR 3.4 billion and the population of 620 thousand citizens. Yet, the significance of Montenegro for the stability and prosperity in the Balkans transcends its size. Montenegro is an important and safe harbor for intra- and inter-regional cooperation. Montenegro can be a valuable economic partner. This has been proven by our recent history, our current situation and our aspirations.

Despite the fact that the Balkan history is a history of wars, Montenegro recovered its independence in a peaceful, democratic way. Montenegro is also the only ex-Yugoslav republic that avoided the wars and destruction during the breakup of Yugoslavia. On the contrary, in the time of conflicts and suffering, Montenegro was a shelter for refugees of all nationalities. Thus, we reinforced the harmony among different ethnicities and religions. We used that as a foundation for the trust and excellent relations with our neighbors.

Today, Montenegro is turned to its European future; and first of all, our economic development. Although, until recently, it used to be the poorest republic of the former Yugoslavia, Montenegro is today the leader among the West Balkans countries in terms of per-capita income. In the last decade, we have...