DPM Ivanović meets with Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Elgersma

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met today with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on a non-residential basis, based in Belgrade, H.E. Martijn Elgersma. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović extended his congratulations to Ambassador Elgersma on his appointment. 

During the meeting, discussions focused on bilateral relations between the two countries, cooperation within NATO, Montenegro's European integration process, and other current regional and international topics of mutual interest. Both parties emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between Montenegro and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, particularly highlighting their close cooperation within NATO. 

A key segment of the discussion was dedicated to Montenegro's EU accession process. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its continued support, especially regarding the closure of negotiation chapters. He underscored that Montenegro highly values the Netherlands' principled and engaged approach to the EU enlargement policy and expressed expectations that Montenegro will be the next country to join the EU. 

Ambassador Elgersma commended the Government of Montenegro for its openness and commitment to European integration, stressing the importance of Montenegro’s continued alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović briefed the Ambassador on the reform activities Montenegro is undertaking to close as many negotiation chapters as possible in 2025 while maintaining the momentum of the process in 2026. 

Discussions also covered the further strengthening of bilateral relations. Both sides acknowledged that Montenegro and the Kingdom of the Netherlands enjoy high-level relations and expressed mutual interest in deepening cooperation, particularly through the upcoming bilateral consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries, scheduled to take place in May 2025 in Podgorica, as well as through reciprocal visits of high-ranking officials. 

The conversation further addressed the enhancement of economic cooperation, with a particular focus on energy, tourism, infrastructure projects, the IT sector, and agriculture. The importance of cultural and consular cooperation was also highlighted, with both parties discussing the potential establishment of an embassy office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Podgorica. 

Ambassador Elgersma expressed his gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović for his warm hospitality. The meeting took place in an open and friendly atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.