Montenegro responded to Radman's hug, saying they are ready to resolve the problem through "well-intentioned dialogue"

Montenegro has responded to Croatia's call for decisive action in resolving outstanding bilateral issues, stating its commitment to addressing these matters through "good faith dialogue." The Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this stance in response to Croatia’s recent appeal for the government to take firm steps toward resolving open questions between the two countries, which are crucial for Montenegro’s path to European Union membership. The ministry emphasized that Montenegro remains committed to resolving all open bilateral issues through an open, continuous, and good-faith dialogue, grounded in mutual respect and partnership. This approach aligns with their shared status as neighboring states, NATO allies, and soon-to-be members of the European Union. The statement highlights Montenegro's dedication to fostering cooperation and maintaining positive relations with Croatia despite existing challenges. Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs had previously stated that the time has come for Montenegro to take decisive measures in resolving outstanding issues, emphasizing that this is key to Montenegro’s progress towards EU accession. The Croatian ministry noted that throughout the process, Croatia has shown strategic patience and understanding, but now expects Montenegro to act decisively. Following the visit of the European Union’s enlargement commissioner, Marta Kovač, to Zagreb, the Croatian ministry reiterated that the EU is clear in its message that it cannot and does not want to import bilateral disputes. Therefore, unresolved issues must be addressed promptly to avoid burdening bilateral relations and the accession process. In its response, Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the Croatian ministry’s communication, recognizing it as confirmation of a shared interest in successfully concluding Montenegro’s European path. It pointed out that several previously identified open issues have already been resolved, while positive progress has been made on remaining matters, including the establishment of appropriate institutional mechanisms to continue work. Montenegro highlighted its efforts in preparing for border-related issues, noting the signed agreement on the transfer of the Josip Marković Cultural Center in Donja Lastva to the Croatian National Council. Additionally, the restoration of the Intergovernmental Mixed Committee for the Protection of National Minorities has resumed, along with other activities aimed at preserving the identity and improving the position of the Croatian community in Montenegro. The ministry emphasized intensified work by relevant institutions in areas such as missing persons, processing war crimes, state borders, and the school ship "Jadran." Montenegro remains fully committed to shedding light on the fate of all missing persons from the former Yugoslavia territory, establishing individual responsibility for war crimes, protecting the rights of all victims, and responsibly confronting the past. Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the issue of the state border has remained open for over three decades and requires thorough preparation and responsible dialogue for resolution. It added that the Protocol on the Temporary Regime Concerning the Southern Border has been applied without problems for 24 years, a fact jointly recognized by both countries multiple times. The ministry expressed equal attention to the issue of the school ship "Jadran," showing willingness to further intensify discussions on this topic. With the desire to maintain the continuity of political dialogue and enhance cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro proposed holding the third round of bilateral political consultations in Podgorica by the end of August 2026. Croatian expectations were outlined in the statement from Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, detailing the country’s hopes regarding the resolution of outstanding issues. These expectations were discussed earlier this year following meetings with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Đukanović in Tivat, where Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also spoke on the subject.