Op-Ed by CdA, a.i. Michael C. Keays, Podgorica, Montenegro
Riding in my car on the way to Montenegro’s ancient Ostrog Monastery last weekend and looking out the window at the mountains, the blooming columbines, and then the Bjelopavlići Valley visible as we wound our way up the mountainside, I reflected on how blessed and fortunate I am to represent the United States Government and the American people in Montenegro at this time.
Witnessing lush landscapes, I flew in from Vienna, spending time with my staff in a restaurant overlooking Lake Skadar, and admiring the royal and religious history of Cetinje – and the trip to Ostrog Monastery – all underscored the rich history of this nation of heroes, its diverse natural beauty, and the hospitality and warmth of the Montenegrin people. They reflect the values, traditions, and vitality of a beautiful country and portend limitless opportunities for its people now and into the future.
This year our two countries will celebrate 120 years of bilateral relations, while Montenegro is also celebrating 20 years of the restoration of its independence. The people of Montenegro are understandably proud of the progress they have made over the last two decades, and excited to see what comes next.
For the United States, this will also be a very consequential year. This year, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, drafted during the Revolutionary War. Our victory in that war secured our independence and the chance for us to establish a new republic dedicated to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the American people. The United States as a republic has proven the wisdom of maximizing the freedom of the American people and unleashing their creative potential. This political construct, combined with our geostrategic location and natural wealth, has made it possible for us to be the country we are today, presenting many economic opportunities for partnership with our Allies.
One of those opportunities now before us is to broaden and deepen our relationship with Montenegro in trade and commerce. In my initial meetings with Montenegro’s leaders, I have made it clear that the top priority of my mission while I am here is to conclude an intergovernmental, or government-to-government agreement, that will make this possible. Our hope is that we will conclude our work on this mutually beneficial agreement as soon as possible to the satisfaction of both of our governments. Through this new agreement, our two nations will move forward on prosperity-generating business opportunities in the areas of infrastructure, energy, the digital economy, and security. Progress in these areas will provide jobs for Montenegrins and Americans and advance Montenegro’s broader development and regional integration goals.
Concluding, ratifying, and executing an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. will also poise Montenegro to capitalize on its geostrategic location in the Western Balkans, uniting that region with Central and Eastern Europe, and the Adriatic with the Baltic and Black Seas as envisioned in the Three Seas Initiative. The next Three Seas Initiative Summit will take place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in late April. I am very hopeful about what that Summit will produce. Montenegro holds the keystone position in an arch of Western Balkan nations that will help Europe to sever its reliance on energy from unreliable suppliers. Our diligent bilateral efforts are giving Montenegro the chance to distinguish itself with leading U.S. businesses known for innovation, respect for the rule of law, and quality in our end products, attracting them to this beautiful country that offers so many opportunities and potential with its connections to its neighbors.
The year 1776 was a consequential one for the American people as they embarked upon an uncertain path that saw setbacks and successes that ultimately led to where we are today. Our elected leaders then were visionary and courageous, and a critical mass of the American people recognized this, rallied around them, and carried the day.  Montenegro stands on a similar precipice of potential greatness. I am honored to be here and look forward to being part of this historic year that will unleash the potential that this nation of heroes and poets possesses.