Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazović said a step forward was made at the Open Balkan Summit in Ohrid to which the region should be proud, adding that Europe saw a different Western Balkans, one that speaks openly about its future, writes MIA.

“Instead of talking about “who started a war”, talks focused on tourism, free trade, energy, agriculture, economic and health crisis, as well as infrastructure,” Abazović said in an interview with Belgrade-based daily Politika.

According to him, Montenegro is ready to contribute to unity of the Western Balkans, because for his country, “the path to the EU has no alternative.” He added that Open Balkan has unveiled a recipe for the future, stressing that the initiative could bridge the gap between East and West.

“We send the world a different message when we speak openly about the future of the Western Balkans in a way that is not customary without looking back at issues that cause conflict,” said Abazović. He added that in Ohrid, Europe saw a different Western Balkans, one that speaks openly about its future, determined to join forces in overcoming the economic crisis.

The Montenegrin PM also noted that he saw the summit in Ohrid as a chance to strengthen good neighborly relations, “something that Western Balkan countries could not boast about before.”

“I believe this is the first time that Western Balkan leaders gather to discuss about the real needs of their citizens, threats that could be triggered by the crisis and the lack of basic foodstuffs and energy on the market, in order to join forces and fend off all negative effects of the Russian invasion in Europe,” Abazović said.