Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have signed bilateral agreements in Budapest, establishing a framework for collaboration on essential strategic and capital development projects vital for Montenegro’s sustainable growth.

The two leaders endorsed the Agreement on cooperation in infrastructure development along with the Agreement on collaboration in telecommunications, information technology, and law enforcement. These agreements lay the groundwork for transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing living standards, boosting economic growth, and maximizing Montenegro’s national capabilities.

The agreements outline collaborative efforts focused on project selection, financing acquisition, and adherence to legal and environmental regulations. This strengthened partnership with an EU member state enables Montenegro to tackle persistent development hurdles, particularly in areas such as road construction and railway modernization.

Over the past two years, significant efforts have been made to build trust, allowing us to reach a juncture where we can formalize interstate agreements with EU nations. We have fortified bilateral ties, marking this historic milestone in Montenegrin-Hungarian relations. Today’s agreements set the stage for actionable projects to commence within the coming year, propelling our economic development and improving the quality of life for all citizens. Crucially, we now benefit from the direct backing of an EU member state – Hungary – in this initiative, stated Prime Minister Spajić.

He stressed the importance of highway construction and railway infrastructure modernization as strategic priorities for Montenegro, essential for regional and European connectivity and for realizing the full potential of the Port of Bar.

In addition to infrastructure, the agreements also formalize collaboration in telecommunications, IT, and law enforcement development between the two countries.

Prime Minister Orbán remarked that these agreements symbolize more than just economic collaboration – they are a testament to a profound level of mutual trust and a foundation for even closer future cooperation. He announced the formation of a Joint Economic Commission that will oversee the execution of these agreements and strengthen connections between public institutions and the private sectors of both countries.

Infrastructure development is the cornerstone of our cooperation. For Hungary, creating trade routes that incorporate Montenegro is a strategic goal that promises substantial economic rewards for both nations, emphasized Prime Minister Orbán.

He reiterated Hungary’s steadfast support for Montenegro’s EU integration, underlining a mutual vision to finalize accession negotiations by 2026. As part of this commitment, Hungary will offer expert guidance and scholarships to Montenegrin students seeking to advance their academic and practical knowledge in Hungary.

Montenegro has nearly satisfied all the necessary criteria in its EU accession journey, and I am confident in its ability to close each negotiating chapter rapidly. Hungary will steadfastly support Montenegro, not just during negotiations but also through the initial phases of EU membership, which we acknowledge to be particularly demanding, noted Orbán.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Montenegro’s Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović, Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević, and Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović.