Ibrahimović at the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council: Montenegro a constructive and reliable partner, Agreement reached by participating states on New Leadership

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović participated today in the 31st session of the OSCE Ministerial Council, held in Valletta. He thanked Malta for its successful chairmanship and expressed full support for Finland, as the next OSCE chair.

During his address at the plenary session, the Minister highlighted Montenegro's key foreign policy priorities, with a special emphasis on the necessity of strengthening multilateralism and dialogue as the only way to preserve the values of the United Nations Charter, as well as the stability and security of the OSCE region.

"The OSCE represents a unique platform within which we can discuss and jointly, through dialogue, reach solutions, especially in times of growing crises that we witness daily. Therefore, the consensus reached between all 57 participating states on the new leadership of the Organization, after a long period of uncertainty, is gratifying."

Speaking about the importance of regional cooperation and strengthening resilience to hybrid threats, the Minister expressed concern about the influence of third parties, hybrid activities, and disinformation campaigns, which pose a threat to the overall stability and progress of the region.

"We advocate for a comprehensive approach to security to strengthen our resilience, in accordance with OSCE principles and commitments," said the Minister, assessing that the newly established Regional Cyber Capacity Center in Podgorica (WB3C), which is the result of a joint initiative by Montenegro, France, and Slovenia, will play an important role in this context.

"We believe that the Center, in cooperation with other countries in the region and international partners, including the OSCE, will contribute to a more stable and secure Western Balkans," said the Minister.

He also emphasized the significant role of the OSCE in promoting peace and stability in Europe, supporting Ukraine, and efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

On the sidelines of the Council, the Minister met with his Hungarian colleague, Péter Szijjártó. Given that Hungary holds the EU Council Presidency, the focus of the discussion was Montenegro's progress in the negotiation process, and Minister Szijjártó gave strong support for the closure of four negotiation chapters at the upcoming Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. It was jointly assessed that a positive outcome of the Conference would be a significant signal not only for Montenegro but also for all Western Balkan states, as well as the EU itself.