DPM Ivanović meets with Ambassadors of Israel and Armenia, and Slovenia's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović held separate meetings with the newly appointed Ambassador of Israel to Montenegro, Avivit Bar-Ilan, Slovenia's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Anžej Frangeš, and the Ambassador of Armenia to Montenegro, Ashot Hovakimian.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović congratulated the Israeli Ambassador on her appointment and wished her success, expressing a desire for further enhancement of relations and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

During the meeting, they positively assessed the established level of cooperation in defence, economy, investments, and tourism, and welcomed the growing interest of Israeli companies in investing and their increasing presence in Montenegro.

It was noted that this year has seen a record number of Israeli tourists in Montenegro, and the established air traffic between Montenegro and Israel adds special value to the relationship. DPM Ivanović emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of scientific and technological development.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović reiterated Montenegro's condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October and expressed support for Israel's right to self-defence in accordance with international law. He also expressed concern over the ongoing escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis, and the real risk of conflict expansion. He reaffirmed Montenegro's position that a "two-state solution" with security guarantees for both states is the only sustainable and lasting solution to the crisis in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović highlighted Montenegro's significant regard for the work and activities of the Jewish community in Montenegro, which undoubtedly contributes to the multicultural character of Montenegrin society.

In his discussion with Slovenia's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed gratitude for Slovenia's continuous political and expert support for Montenegro's European integration. He pointed out that the announcement that the future Commissioner for Enlargement will be from Slovenia is good news for the Western Balkans and Montenegro.

Mr. Frangeš emphasised the importance of maintaining continuity and dynamics in efforts on the European path to meet all set goals and confirmed Slovenia's readiness to provide expert assistance to Montenegro in the upcoming phases of EU integration.

DPM Ivanović informed Mr. Frangeš about Montenegro's candidacy for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2026-2027.

During the discussion between Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović and the Ambassador of Armenia, they assessed the relations between the two countries as friendly and a good basis for enhancing overall cooperation. They agreed on the particular need to intensify political dialogue and exchanges of high-level visits.

Ambassador Hovakimian expressed Armenia's interest in assistance with its European aspirations, and DPM Ivanović expressed Montenegro's full readiness to share its experiences and knowledge, especially given the significant progress made in the past year in European integration. The Ambassador also reiterated Yerevan's expectation that DPM Ivanović would soon visit Armenia.

The meetings also addressed regional issues of importance to Montenegro and Armenia.