Montenegro is a reliable partner, European and Euro-Atlantic values have no alternative

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović began his participation in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York by meeting with Michele Sison, US Assistant Secretary of State. On the sidelines of the assembly, he also attended the ministerial meetings of the Friends of the Western Balkans group and the Global Governance Group (3G).

During his conversation with Sison, Minister Ibrahimović emphasised that Montenegro and the United States are strategic partners and allies within NATO, expressing a strong desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the fields of economic cooperation and multilateral collaboration. He reiterated Montenegro’s commitment to its strategic path, rooted firmly in European and Euro-Atlantic values, and made it clear that Montenegro remains dedicated to this course. We want to strengthen our partnerships with friendly countries and work together for the development and prosperity of Montenegro and the entire region, said Ibrahimović.

US Assistant Secretary of State Sison praised Montenegro’s progress in key foreign policy priorities, including its strong commitment to European integration. She reiterated the US’s full support for Montenegro’s continued path toward EU membership and acknowledged the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. Sison also commended Montenegro's growing activity on the multilateral front and encouraged further efforts regarding its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.

Sison additionally expressed her gratitude for Montenegro's constructive role in the UN Human Rights Council and for its contributions to peacekeeping missions and operations around the world. She specifically highlighted Montenegro’s support and assistance to Ukraine.

At the ministerial meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans group, hosted by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the focus was on the region's EU accession process. Tajani emphasised that the EU has sent clear messages that enlargement remains a priority for the new European Commission. This momentum should provide additional motivation for candidate countries to continue reforms. He underlined that the Western Balkans holds strategic importance for Italy.

Minister Ibrahimović used the platform to reaffirm Montenegro’s dedication to the European integration process, noting that EU membership remains the most secure path for the long-term stability and development of the Western Balkans. This is a shared vision, as we all embrace the European perspective. Montenegro has set a goal to become an EU member by 2028, and we are fully focused on achieving this objective, said Ibrahimović. He added that Montenegro’s progress is not only beneficial for the country but serves as positive news for other candidate countries in the region. He also highlighted Montenegro’s commitment to good neighbourly relations, which is a priority in its foreign policy and crucial for the EU accession process.

In addition to the meetings, Ibrahimović will participate in a ministerial-level event on artificial intelligence, hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.