Ibrahimović-Pierce: Montenegro and UK strenghten cooperation, stable region a common interest

Montenegro and the United Kingdom enjoy very good and friendly relations, marked by intensive political dialogue and further strengthened by NATO alliance," it was stated during the meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Mr. Ervin Ibrahimović, and the UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Karen Pierce.

During the discussion, it was emphasized that a stable Western Balkans is a common interest, and that Montenegro and the UK will continue their dynamic cooperation to strengthen the security and safety of the region, based on strong democracy, the rule of law, and regional cooperation.

Expressing gratitude for the support of our European path, the Minister recalled the results achieved in the integration process, and emphasized the commitment to continue fulfilling obligations from the EU agenda. In that line, he assessed the contribution of British partners in the implementation of democratic and structural reforms in our country as significant.

"By Montenegro's accession to the EU, we would send a clear signal to other candidate countries that membership is attainable and possible," said Ibrahimović, adding that "there is no successful European story without the Western Balkan countries." He stated that EU membership of our country would discourage the destabilizing influences of third parties, from those countries that "do not share the same democratic and European values that we cherish in Montenegro."

The British Special Envoy Pierce stated that the Western Balkans region has a vital strategic importance for European security. "The UK supports the foreign policy aspirations and ambitions of Montenegro. I am very glad that today I had the opportunity to hear more about the progress that Montenegro has made on its chosen path of European integration and other plans of the Montenegrin Government."

She emphasized that, as the host of this year's Berlin Process Summit, the UK confirms its commitment to the Western Balkans and close cooperation with partners like Montenegro.

"We value our relationship and look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in a wide range of areas," said Pearce.

The interlocutors agreed that bilateral relations are developing on an upward trajectory, and are characterized by substantive cooperation in the fields of defense and security, strategic communication, cyber security, and education. The possibilities for further intensifying contacts in the areas of economy and tourism were also pointed out.

The meeting also discussed cooperation on a multilateral level, as well as other current issues from the regional and global agenda.