Montenegro is to maintain its present course toward European Union membership as this is the best option for it, Montenegro's Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic said here on Thursday, according to Austria Press Agency report.

Darmanovic visited the Austrian capital to hold talks with his counterpart Sebastian Kurz.

He said the meeting was a "conversation among friends," and both sides indicated their interest in the further expansion of relations.

The two had discussed the establishment of an economic forum, and Darmanovic said he was pleased about a bilateral action plan the two ministers had signed late last year.

He said his country is also seeking further support on its path to membership.

For his part, Kurz said Montenegro is a "strong partner" and that where EU accession is concerned, Austria wishes all the Balkans ones will have future perspectives.

He was also positive about the bilateral cooperation with Montenegro, that involves both a "political and human" sides.

Source: Xinhua