Interview: Former Montenegrin president lauds fruitful cooperation with China

PODGORICA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- "The two decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and China have been characterized by standing together through thick and thin, sincere cooperation, mutual trust, mutual assistance and mutual learning," former Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic has said.

Under the strategic guidance and joint efforts of the leaders of both countries, pragmatic cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, as Montenegro and China have forged a profound friendship based on mutual respect, equality and trust over the past 20 years, Vujanovic said in a recent interview with Xinhua in Podgorica, capital of Montenegro, calling himself "a witness to and participant in this history."

China has consistently upheld the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and earned broad recognition from the international community, Vujanovic said. "In Montenegro, we greatly respect China's dedication to affirming global values."

About the Belt and Road Initiative, Vujanovic described it as "one of the grandest international public goods" in decades, saying the Belt and Road cooperation has improved infrastructure and people's livelihood in relevant regions.

He said the infrastructure projects built with China's support are "essential requirements for Montenegro's national development." Besides infrastructure cooperation, educational exchanges between the two countries have continued to deepen, with Chinese language education gaining popularity in Montenegro and an increasing number of students going to China for study and exchange programs.

Recalling his visits to China, Vujanovic said China's Hainan Free Trade Port left a particularly deep impression on him. He expressed the hope that Montenegro, with high-quality port resources, can draw valuable experience from Hainan Province's development practices.

"It should be a great opportunity for Montenegro to explore this experience," he said, "I am sure that it would open new avenues for cooperation between our two countries."

"China's greatness lies not only in its vast territory and population, but also in its openness and inclusiveness, treating all countries equally. In our economic cooperation with China, Montenegro has always been regarded as an equal partner," Vujanovic said.

Looking ahead, Vujanovic believes that Montenegro and China will continue to deepen cooperation based on equality and mutual trust in areas including education, science, culture and healthcare, in a bid to better benefit the two peoples and create a shared future of lasting prosperity.■