India and Montenegro Hold 3rd Foreign Office Consultations
On October 28, India and Montenegro conducted their third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Podgorica, Montenegro. The Indian delegation was led by Arun Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary of the Central Europe Division, while the Montenegrin side was represented by Aleksandar Drljevic, acting Director General for Bilateral Affairs.
Key Discussions
During the consultations, both countries reviewed their bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including political ties, trade, science and technology, cultural relations, and people-to-people contacts. They also talked about cooperation in international and multilateral forums.
Future Plans
Both sides agreed to hold the next session of consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time. India’s relationship with Montenegro has been traditionally close and friendly, dating back to the days of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Historical Ties
After Montenegro gained independence, the first ministerial visit to India was by Dr. Milorad Katnic, Minister of Finance, in February 2011. More recently, in June 2022, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met with Montenegro’s President Milo Dukanovic at the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum. They discussed expanding relations in investment, culture, tourism, and renewable energy.
Previous Consultations
The first round of FOC between India and Montenegro took place in Podgorica in July 2009.
Doubts Revealed
Montenegro -: Montenegro is a small country in Europe. It is known for its beautiful mountains and coastline along the Adriatic Sea.
Foreign Office Consultations -: Foreign Office Consultations are meetings between two countries to discuss and improve their relationship. They talk about things like politics, trade, and culture.
Podgorica -: Podgorica is the capital city of Montenegro. It is where important meetings and government activities take place.
Arun Kumar Sahu -: Arun Kumar Sahu is an Indian diplomat. He represents India in discussions with other countries.
Aleksandar Drljevic -: Aleksandar Drljevic is a Montenegrin official. He represents Montenegro in international meetings.
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia -: The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was a country in Europe that existed until the early 1990s. It included several countries that are now independent, like Montenegro.
Dr. S Jaishankar -: Dr. S Jaishankar is the Minister of External Affairs of India. He is responsible for India’s foreign relations.
Milo Dukanovic -: Milo Dukanovic is the President of Montenegro. He is an important leader in the country.
