PRESS RELEASE
LJUBLJANA/ULCINJ, 30 September 2023 – International Institute for Middle-East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES[1]) awarded a special award "for a special contribution to the affirmation of minority communities" to the Prime Minister of Montenegro Dr. Dritan Abazović (GP URA).
The award was presented to him by the honorary president of the International Institute IFIMES Stjepan Mesić, former president of the Republic of Croatia. President Mesić emphasized the role and contribution of Prime Minister Abazović in Montenegro and the Western Balkans in consolidating democracy and developing a multi-ethnic society and affirming minority communities and strengthening peace and stability in the region. As a young and recognizable politician and a distinguished intellectual, he contributed to the strengthening of the European path of Montenegro, which aspires to become the next member of the EU. Dr. Abazović is a convinced European, who contributes to cooperation in the region and beyond, and from Montenegro sends positive messages and stories to Europe and the world.
The International Institute IFIMES believes that it is necessary to highlight the role of Prime Minister Abazović, who emphasizes that the institutional future of the countries of the region is membership in the EU. Economically, commercially and culturally, these countries will always be tied to the region, which is why regional cooperation is of exceptional importance. There are individuals who, through their work, have become an inspiration and role model for many. They are recognizable for their dedication, courage and perseverance, one of them is Dr. Dritan Abazović. That is why it is our honor to present them with recognition and to express our gratitude for everything they have done for their fellow citizens, states, region, the world and a better future for all of us.
The director of the institute Dr. Zijad Bećirović also addressed those present at the award ceremony. He emphasized, among other things, that we live in multi-ethnic societies with numerous differences. However, it is necessary to manage all these differences and find the most optimal solutions. He cited examples of mono-ethnic and multi-ethnic states, and as it turns out - multi-ethnic states are the most successful if they know how to manage differences, for example the USA. Montenegro has every chance of becoming a strong and responsible leader in the Western Balkans.
Prime Minister of Montenegro Dr. Dritan Abazović thanked for the recognition and in his ceremonial speech emphasized the role of Montenegro in regional and international relations and emphasized that his country will continue to play an active role in the region through the process of cooperation, reconciliation, coexistence, strengthening of multi-ethnic harmony and economic prosperity in the Western Balkans and in Southeastern Europe and also on the international stage with the additional affirmation of minority communities. In doing so, it is important to speed up the process of European integration, which will lead to all the countries of the region becoming full members of the EU. Montenegro remains a reliable and strong ally in NATO. Each country and their politicians must do their homework by creating a general consensus on the path to joining the EU. The process of cooperation, reconciliation, creation of a welfare society, intensive fight against crime and corruption, EU membership and strengthening of regional cooperation can only bring good and progress to the entire region.
Ljubljana/Ulcinj, 30 September 2023
[1] IFIMES - International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has Special Consultative status at ECOSOC/UN, New York, since 2018 and it’s publisher of the international scientific journal “European Perspectives”.
