On May 20, 2023, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Jakov Milatović on assuming office as president of Montenegro.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Montenegro have always respected and trusted each other and treated each other as equals, and the two peoples appreciate and respect each other. Xi Jinping said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Montenegro relations and stands ready to work with President Milatović to carry forward the profound friendship between the two countries, strengthen exchanges on governance experience, and jointly chart the course for continuous development of bilateral relations, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.