Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović voiced strong support for a Türkiye-led peace initiative during the inaugural meeting of Western Balkan foreign ministers in Istanbul under the newly launched Balkan Peace Platform.
The initiative, spearheaded by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, aims to bolster dialogue, regional stability, and cooperation among Western Balkan nations.
Speaking at the meeting, Ibrahimović underscored the importance of sustained communication between countries in the region. “Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Western Balkans are a shared responsibility,” he said, adding that dialogue remains the only viable path to fostering trust and regional integration.
“I thank Minister Fidan for this timely initiative, which sends a clear message in support of dialogue and cooperation. Türkiye is a key partner for all countries in our region, and Montenegro fully supports any framework that contributes to a better future for our citizens,” he said.
Ibrahimović also highlighted Montenegro’s appreciation of Türkiye’s role within the Euro-Atlantic community and its contribution to NATO. He reiterated that EU membership remains the strategic goal for the Western Balkans, and affirmed Montenegro’s support for NATO aspirations of countries aligned with Euro-Atlantic values.
Participants at the meeting discussed opportunities to enhance political and economic ties, particularly in infrastructure, trade, energy, culture, and environmental protection. There was broad agreement on reinforcing regional cooperation mechanisms and establishing joint platforms to address common challenges.
Reflecting on the impact of global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions, Ibrahimović warned of the vulnerability of regional economies to supply chain shocks. He stressed that deeper cooperation was essential to ensure long-term economic growth, security, and resilience.
The Montenegrin minister also called for coordinated demographic policies across the region, emphasizing youth inclusion, employment, and mobility as vital elements in tackling population challenges and promoting a sustainable regional future.