President Sisi and his Montenegrin counterpart look forward to exchanging experiences and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Ahmed Salem

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received today President Jakov Milatovic, President of the Republic of Montenegro.

The official spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic stated that the reception ceremony included the performance of the official salute by the guard of honor, the playing of the national anthems of the two countries, and the taking of a commemorative photo that brought together the two presidents, followed by a bilateral meeting between the two presidents, then an expanded session of talks in the presence of the delegations of the two countries, followed by a luncheon hosted by the President in honor of the visiting President and the accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Mohamed El Shenawy, the official spokesperson, indicated that the President welcomed President Milatovic’s visit, stressing the special nature of this visit as it is the first at the presidential level since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries following the independence of the Republic of Montenegro in 2006.

New prospects for developing bilateral relations

He also stressed Egypt’s keenness to explore new horizons for developing bilateral relations, especially in the economic field and diversifying trade exchange, taking advantage of the promising opportunities available in both countries.

The President also noted the Montenegrin Parliament’s formation of a parliamentary friendship association with Egypt, considering it an important pillar for strengthening official and popular relations.

The official spokesman added that President Milutovich expressed his great pleasure at visiting Egypt and meeting the President, appreciating the hospitality and warm reception, and emphasizing his country’s keenness to develop bilateral relations in various fields of common interest.

Benefit from Egyptian expertise

He also expressed his country's desire to benefit from Egypt's distinguished expertise in the tourism, energy, and infrastructure sectors, noting the successful Egyptian investments in his country's tourism sector and Montenegro's wish to increase the volume of these investments and expand their scope to include other areas. The Montenegrin president also expressed his country's appreciation for Egypt's efforts in combating illegal immigration.

The official spokesperson explained that the talks between the two presidents also addressed a number of regional and international issues of common interest, as the President reviewed Egypt’s efforts to reduce escalation in the region and reach peaceful solutions to crises and conflicts, stressing the need to continue coordination between the various partners and to encourage the American and Iranian sides to reach a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.

Egypt's position on regional issues is firm.

He also stressed Egypt’s firm stance in supporting the sovereignty and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, reiterating Egypt’s complete rejection of unjustified attacks on brotherly Arab countries.

The President also presented the Egyptian vision regarding the need to reach a just solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy, stressing Egypt’s rejection of any efforts aimed at displacing Palestinians from their land, and emphasizing in this regard the need to rebuild the Gaza Strip and bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.

Agreement between the two countries' positions on international crises

For his part, President Milutovich praised the great convergence between the two countries’ positions on international crises, which are based on prioritizing diplomatic solutions and joint cooperation over the option of war or the use of force, expressing his appreciation for the Egyptian efforts led by the President in supporting regional stability and security, and emphasizing, with regard to the Palestinian issue, his country’s support for the two-state solution.

The two presidents agreed that this visit should mark the beginning of a new phase of distinguished relations and intensive political consultation between the two countries, both bilaterally and with regard to international issues of common interest. In this context, President Milatovic extended an invitation to the President to visit Montenegro.