The Adriatic and Ionian Initiative (AII) Permanent Secretariat and the Central European Initiative CEI - Executive Secretariat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the framework of the Adriatic and Ionian Council. The Ceremony took place on May 8th in Budva, where AII Secretary General Giovanni Castellaneta and CEI Secretary General Roberto Antonione signed the agreement for a shared action for their regions.

The signature seals a strong long-standing partnership and contributes to fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development. The MoU is a step forward for a joint preparation and implementation of activities as well as an exchange of expertise and skills in project management in areas of common interest to the benefit of the citizens.

AII SG Castellaneta stated that there is room for synergies and for exchanging information and experiences between the two intergovernmental / multilateral initiatives. “Two regional organizations which clearly share the same objectives, namely to facilitate the integration process and to promote economic growth and prosperity in the region through concrete cooperation activities”.

“We aim at fostering projects targeting activities in the field of Blue Growth, connectivity, environmental protection, sustainable tourism as well as those aimed at improving research and innovation systems, culture and education in our regions", said CEI Secretary General Antonione.

Each Party will appoint a contact person responsible for managing the implementation of the MoU, liaising and facilitating information flows on joint actions and common activities.