Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović officially opens Montenegro’s Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović officially opened the National Pavilion of Montenegro at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović emphasized the significance of Montenegro’s participation at EXPO 2025, stating that the Montenegrin pavilion was designed as a fusion of tradition and modernity — a symbol of our authenticity, openness, and harmony with nature. He highlighted that through this pavilion, Montenegro is sending a clear message that it is a country of dialogue, knowledge, and cooperation — ready to build new partnerships and friendships.

Also addressing the audience was Ms. Kieko Oku, Managing Director of Montenegro-Japan Friendship Association, who reflected on the long-standing ties between the two nations, symbolized in recent years by the planting of cherry trees across Montenegro as a gesture of friendship.

The ceremony was also attended by members of the Montenegrin delegation, including Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property Slaven Radunović, and Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić.

Among other distinguished guests were Mr. Manatsu Ichinoki, Deputy Secretary General of the Japan Association for EXPO 2025; Mr. Yahel Vilan, General Commissioner of the State of Israel for EXPO 2025 and former Ambassador to Montenegro; and Mr. Filippo Francini, General Commissioner of the Republic of San Marino for EXPO 2025.

EXPO 2025, held under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” gathers over 160 countries and international organizations. The event is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors over a six-month period, offering a unique platform to promote the cultural values, economic potential, and innovations of the participating countries.

Montenegro’s pavilion was designed by a team of Turkish architects — winners of an international design competition — under the theme “Celebrating Togetherness.” Inspired by Montenegro’s diverse topography, vibrant color palette, and the richness of the Adriatic coast, the pavilion symbolizes the coexistence of differences and harmony between people and nature.

Montenegro’s participation at EXPO 2025 represents a strategic initiative of the Government, coordinated through the Ministry of Economic Development. In collaboration with other ministries and relevant institutions, this project reflects a unified national effort to present Montenegro on one of the world’s most prominent global stages.