Republic of Macedonia–Montenegro relations

Macedonian-Montenegrin relations

Macedonia	Montenegro

Macedonia - Montenegro relations refer to foreign relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia. The Macedonian Foreign Ministry states the two countries have excellent political ties, without any open issues between the two countries.^[1] The embassy of the Republic of Macedonia to Montenegro is located in the capital city of Podgorica. Montenegro's embassy in the Republic of Macedonia is also located in the country's capital city, which is Skopje. Also, Montenegro has an honorary consulate in the city of Bitola.

History

The two now-independent states of Montenegro and Macedonia share a common history, as both were constituent republics of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The Socialist Republic of Montenegro and the Socialist Republic of Macedonia inside Yugoslavia

When Yugoslavia began disintegrating in the early 1990s, the two Yugoslav republics Slovenia and Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia on 25 June 1991. The Republic of Macedonia voted on a referendum on 8 September 1991 in favor of a sovereign state and also declared independence. Montenegro organised an independence referendum as well, but decided to stay in Yugoslavia.

In April 1992 the remaining Yugoslav republics Montenegro and Serbia formed the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Macedonia were established on 8 April 1996.^[2] The relations between the two countries were solid and friendly. In 2003, the name of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was changed to State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, reflecting the two parts (republics) of which it consisted.

In 2006, Montenegro held a second referendum on its independence. The referendum was successful and Montenegro became a sovereign state, thus Serbia and Montenegro was dissolved resulting in Serbia also becoming an independent country.

Relations

Diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Macedonia were established on 14 June 2006.^[3]

Relations are close with both countries sharing the common goal of joining the European Union and NATO. Montenegro is also among the 131^[4] states in the world which recognize Macedonia by its constitutional name.^[5][6]

Montenegrins in Macedonia

There is a small number of Montenegrins living in Macedonia. According to the last census carried out in Macedonia in 2002, the Montenegrin minority makes up 2,003 people, which is about 0,1% of the total population of Macedonia.

Macedonians in Montenegro

A small Macedonian minority also exists in Montenegro. The last census carried out in 2003 showed that 819 persons declared themselves to be Macedonian, which is 0,13% of the total population of Montenegro.^[7]

References

1. Macedonian Information Agency Ivanov-Vujanovic: There's room for economic improvement between Macedonia and Montenegro
2. Republic of Serbia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3. Republic of Macedonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4. Bolivia is 131. country to use Macedonia's constitutional name Ekonom:east Media Group. 20-01-2011
5. Southeast European Times Macedonia welcomes Canadian recognition of constitutional name
6. Net Press Македонија лута на соседите поради името
7. Statistical Office of the Republic of Montenegro - MONSTAT