Preserving and strengthening good relations with neighbouring countries is a key priority of Montenegro’s foreign policy, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović said on Friday, emphasising that regional cooperation is crucial for development and advancing towards European Union membership.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Ibrahimović said Montenegro has made significant efforts since gaining independence to ensure tangible benefits for its citizens through regional initiatives.
“Since gaining independence, we have invested significant efforts to achieve concrete benefits for our citizens through regional initiatives,” he said, citing the South-East European Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and the Berlin Process as instrumental in helping countries reach European standards.
Ibrahimović warned that unresolved issues among Western Balkan countries, along with a lack of political will, could slow integration processes.
He stressed that regional organisations have the potential to strengthen bilateral ties and mutual understanding if used effectively.
“Good infrastructure is essential for stronger regional connectivity and cooperation. It can attract further investment and strengthen the economy, but all of this must be based on mutual respect, peace, trust and security,” Ibrahimović said.
He reiterated Montenegro’s commitment to EU integration and its determination to build a more connected and prosperous Southeast Europe through regional partnerships.
Other panel participants included the foreign ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković; North Macedonia, Timčo Mucunski; and Serbia, Marko Đurić, as well as Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay and RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović.
On the sidelines of the forum, Ibrahimović held talks with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu, discussing global security challenges and the organisation’s future role.
The two officials stressed the importance of close cooperation to bolster regional and international security and reaffirmed the need to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Ibrahimović said Montenegro remains active on the multilateral front, including through the OSCE, which, he added, could play a key role in shaping a new European security architecture.
Sinirlioğlu described Montenegro as a valuable partner and said the OSCE would continue supporting peacebuilding, security, and the rule of law in the region.
