Montenegro and Romania have traditionally enjoyed good and friendly relations, and cooperation between the two countries is increasingly extending to the local level as well, it was emphasized at the meeting of the Secretary General of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro Mišele Manojlović I Nj. E. Viorel Ardeleanu, Ambassador of Romania to Montenegro.
As a result of this cooperation, the Association of Romanian Municipalities, through the Embassy of Romania in Montenegro, extended an official invitation to the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro to take part in a study visit and attend the event “Smart City 2025: Connecting Montenegro and Romania”, held in Romania from 24 to 27 February this year.
At the meeting with Secretary General Manojlović, Ambassador Ardeleanu emphasized that the aim of the visit is to foster cooperation and the exchange of knowledge on smart city innovations and practices. The main focus of the visit will be on exchanging experiences regarding the role of municipalities in legislative processes and strengthening partnerships between local and central authorities in developing effective legal frameworks; promoting decentralization and enhancing local government autonomy; fostering sustainable development; improving e-government and digitalization strategies; attracting EU funding; and promoting innovation in urban planning, it was highlighted at the meeting.
Secretary General Manojlović expressed her gratitude for the initiative, which provides a valuable opportunity to exchange good practices, and emphasized the high level of interest among Montenegrin municipalities in participating in the visit, particularly given that the topics included in the agenda and the experience of Romanian local authorities could be highly beneficial to Montenegrin municipalities.
The partnership between the local governments of the two countries offers significant opportunities for both sides, which will be further strengthened by the upcoming visit, it was concluded at the meeting between Secretary General Manojlović and Ambassador Ardeleanu.
