Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic said that Montenegro's goal of joining the European Union by 2028 is ambitious but achievable, during an official visit to Macedonia.

"I come as a friend to friends, I would even say as a brother to a brotherly state," said Milatovic at a joint press conference with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. He emphasized that Montenegro strongly supports Macedonia's European path and that the European perspective is not just a dream but reality.

The two presidents discussed bilateral relations, noting that Macedonia was among the first countries to recognize Montenegro's independence. This year marks 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two states.

Trade currently stands at around 60 million euros, but both sides estimate it could reach over 100 million euros. An exploration of the possibility of establishing an air route between the two countries was also announced.

President Siljanovska-Davkova stressed that regional cooperation is not just an obligation but also a right, calling it an "imperative" for the Western Balkans given the current security risks from ongoing conflicts.