In Montenegro, President Milanović Meets with Croats and Members of the Croatian-Montenegrin Business Club

On the second day of his official visit to Montenegro, the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović met with members of the Croatian community in Montenegro and attended a meeting with members of the Croatian-Montenegrin Business Club, which was also attended by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović.

In his address to the Croats in Montenegro, President Milanović emphasized that their community enjoys stability, unlike Croatian communities in other neighbouring countries. “Among all Croatian communities in neighbouring countries—who are indigenous and closely tied to their homeland—the Croatian community in Montenegro is currently in the most stable position.”

President Milanović stressed the importance of Montenegro remaining a democratic and stable state. “Regardless of who is in power in Montenegro, it is essential that they are democratically elected and uphold fundamental human values. And we know what those European values are,” he said, adding that modernity and new ideas are key to any society’s progress.

Speaking to the gathered Croats of Montenegro, President Milanović reaffirmed Croatia’s continued support: “Croatia is close by—it is a separate country, but it is also your country. May Montenegro and Croatia be eternal!”

During the meeting with members of the Croatian-Montenegrin Business Club, discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. Trade between Croatia and Montenegro in 2024 amounted to 382.8 million euros, with Croatia enjoying a significant surplus. Croatian exports increased by 7.8%, reaching 373.6 million euros, while imports from Montenegro to Croatia rose by 13.2% to 9.2 million euros. As a result, Croatia achieved a trade surplus of 364.4 million euros. Despite being a relatively small market, Montenegro remains an important trading partner for Croatia, accounting for 1.6% of total Croatian exports in 2024.

The Croatian-Montenegrin Business Club (HCPK) was established in September 2022 in Podgorica as a non-governmental organization with the goal of improving the business environment in Montenegro. Its mission is to attract more Croatian and foreign investors, strengthen and promote bilateral economic relations, and encourage business cooperation between Croatian and Montenegrin companies and associations.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta