London, United Kingdom (12 November, 2018) – In a ceremony this morning at the High Commission, His Excellency Dr. Kevin Isaac, High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Kingdom and Ambassador of Montenegro to the United Kingdom His Excellency Borislav Banović, signed an agreement to abolish visas between their two countries. This agreement will allow citizens of both countries to enter each other’s territory for up to 90 days visa free.

High Commissioner Isaac observed that this agreement augurs well for the relationship between the St. Kitts and Nevis and Montenegro and that it reflects the sustained commitment of Foreign Minister Brantly and the Team Unity Administration to broaden the Federation’s global network of partners, while opening viable ways for its citizens to develop personal, social and economic relationships internationally.

Montenegro, situated in the south Adriatic Sea, is known as the pearl of the Mediterranean and regarded as a good destination to visit and to invest.  Montenegro is expected to become one of the fastest growing travel and tourism economy in the world over the next decade surpassing Brazil and China.  Visitor exports are a key component of its direct contribution to travel and tourism. In 2017, Montenegro generated EUR932.8M in visitor exports. In 2018, this is anticipated to grow by 7.9%, and the country is expected to attract 1,969,000 international tourist arrivals.  As St. Kitts and Nevis recently welcomed its millionth cruise passenger, both countries are seeing the rewards of economic development through well-executed tourism strategies.

Both Excellencies spoke to the similarities between their small nations, especially the rich culture and history.  High Commissioner Isaac commended Ambassador Banović on Montenegro’s economic performance in the areas of tourism, energy, water and transport links.  His Excellency further articulated that Montenegro is a relatively young country, having recently gained independence from Serbia in 2006, however, it is a competitive and dynamic destination with clear strategic objective for developing a sustainable tourism portfolio. Both diplomats committed to working together and to explore the many avenues for collaboration between their countries.

On behalf of Foreign Minister Brantley and the Unity Government; Dr Isaac extended a warm invitation to Ambassador Banović and his Foreign Minister, the Honourable Srđan Darmanović to visit the beautiful twin-island paradise and to experience its rich culture first-hand.