Darko Pajović, Ambassador of Montenegro to China, stated that Montenegro is part of the "Belt and Road" initiative and also a partner in the "16+1 cooperation". He introduced that currently, Montenegro is working with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to build the longest and only highway within Montenegro. "This project is very important to us because both sides can share a lot of technical knowledge in infrastructure construction, and Montenegro can learn a lot of experience from it. I firmly believe that this project will become a symbol of friendship and cooperation between China and Montenegro."
Darko Pajović believes that there is huge potential for cooperation between the two countries in tourism, culture, education, and environmental protection, and he is also convinced that both sides will deepen cooperation in various fields in the coming years. He pointed out that tourism is a pillar industry of Montenegro. Last year, Montenegro implemented visa facilitation measures for Chinese citizens, and it is expected that the number of Chinese tourists will show an upward trend in the future. "In fact, many Montenegrins have also come to China to study, do business, or travel over the past two years. I think implementing visa facilitation measures is a good thing for both China and Montenegro."
Darko Pajović emphasized that cultural exchange is crucial, as it is a better way to bring the people of the two countries closer together. "I believe that cooperation in all fields, including economy and politics, cannot be separated from cultural exchange, and we also need to introduce Montenegrin culture to China. I believe that the prospects for cultural exchange between the two countries are broad in the future." He pointed out that in the past few years, the Ministry of Education of Montenegro and some institutions in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and other regions have actively participated in cultural exchange activities with China.
Darko Pajović hopes that more Montenegrins can better understand Chinese culture and master the Chinese language. "I firmly believe that future economic and trade cooperation will require more Montenegrins who can speak Chinese. Cultural exchange is not only conducive to cultural cooperation but can also pave the way for economic and trade cooperation. I am sure that people-to-people exchanges will become one of the key tasks in the coming years."
Regarding ecological protection and sustainable development, Darko Pajović believes that Montenegro and China have many opportunities for cooperation. He pointed out that many countries build a large number of factories across the country to support industrial production during the process of economic development, which has brought serious environmental pollution. "The Montenegrin government began to shut down a large number of factories in 1991, which even caused a serious economic crisis at one time, but our current ecological environment is very good, and tourism has become our pillar industry. We have achieved remarkable results in protecting green mountains and clear water. Ecological sustainability is also a prerequisite for sustainable economic development. I believe that Montenegro's experience in this regard can provide rich resources for cooperation between the two countries," he said.
