Today, this Tuesday April 1st, 2008, took place at the Presidential Palace in Riga, Latvia, an official ceremony during which H.E. Mr. Milorad Ščepanovič, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Montenegro to Latvia, presented his letters of credence to the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Valdis Zatlers.

During the private audience that followed, President Zatlers, after wishing H.E. Ambassador Ščepanovič good luck and a lot of success in his work, praised the friendly bilateral relations between both countries, which have a significant development potential, taking into account Montenegro’s direction towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The Latvian Head of State added that his country was open for a co-operation with Montenegro and willing to share its experience of the European integration and reforms. “The persistent implementation of European Union norms has fostered long-term progress in our country. Latvia aspires to play an active part in building a united Europe and is ready to share the knowledge and experience it has acquired with other countries that are engaged in the European integration process,” said President Zatlers.

As for him, H.E. Ambassador Ščepanovič after extending his thanks to the President of the Republic, informed him about current internal policy developments in Montenegro confirming that changes were proceeding successfully, adding that he will work on developing relations between both countries on different levels, political and economic, as well as cultural.

Assistant Foreign Minister of Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Milorad Ščepanovič is the first Ambassador of Montenegro to Latvia since the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 19, 2006, after Montenegro gained independence on June 3rd.