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Cybersecurity
Russian Federation Ambassador in Montenegro Summoned for a Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Russian Federation ambassador to Montenegro was summoned today to a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to allegations in an authored text published ahead of the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Montenegro and the Russian Federation, as well as the Russian Federation Embassy's reaction to the Montenegrin government's decision to fully align visa policies with those of the European Union. During the meeting, the ambassador was told that the mentioned text and reaction contain assessments and qualifications that go beyond the scope of usual diplomatic communication and are not in accordance with the principles of mutual respect that should characterize the relations between diplomatic missions and the host country. It was particularly emphasized that the unacceptable qualifications questioning the independence, credibility, and capacity of Montenegrin institutions to make sovereign decisions and conduct state policy, as well as claims challenging the legitimacy of decisions made in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and democratic procedures. The ambassador was also informed that public evaluations of internal political circumstances, positioning regarding political actors, and interpretations of citizens' political will are not in line with the role and responsibility of diplomatic representatives in the host country. Regarding the Russian Federation Embassy's reaction to the visa policy decision, it was highlighted that full alignment with the EU visa policy is one of the final criteria for closing Chapter 24 negotiations and a key obligation from the Reform Agenda. Montenegro will continue to pursue an independent, responsible, predictable, and principled foreign policy, in accordance with its national interests and strategic commitments, in the interest of all its citizens, with full respect for international law and the obligations voluntarily undertaken by the country.