Ibrahimović begins Washington visit with meetings at the U.S. Congress and the International Republican Institute

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović began his visit to Washington, D.C., meeting on the first day with Congressman Mike Turner and Stephen Nix, Regional Director for Europe and Eurasia at the International Republican Institute (IRI).

Ibrahimović expressed his satisfaction with the meeting and the continuation of a substantive dialogue with Congressman Turner, noting that sustained communication with members of the U.S. Congress provides a strong impetus for further strengthening bilateral relations and confirms the shared commitment of Montenegro and the United States to deepening their partnership.

Ibrahimović thanked Congressman Turner for his outstanding leadership of the Montenegro Caucus in the U.S. Congress and for his overall contribution to advancing bilateral relations. He particularly highlighted Turner's strong support during Montenegro's NATO accession process, emphasising that his contribution has had lasting significance in strengthening Montenegro's transatlantic position.

Ibrahimović also expressed gratitude for the initiative to introduce a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives reaffirming U.S. support for Montenegro's accession to the European Union.

The two officials agreed on the importance of further strengthening the Montenegro Caucus in the U.S. Congress in order to enhance Montenegro's visibility among American lawmakers, improve communication and coordination, and create additional opportunities for closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

They also welcomed the strong U.S. focus on the Western Balkans and expressed satisfaction that the signing of the Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement between the United States and Montenegro on cooperation in the implementation of strategic projects is expected in the near future, opening new opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

During his meeting with Stephen Nix, Regional Director for Europe and Eurasia at the International Republican Institute, discussions focused on continuing cooperation with the renowned international organisation and its contribution to strengthening democratic processes in Montenegro and the wider region.

Ibrahimović thanked the IRI office in Montenegro for its dedicated work over the past nearly five years, noting that the Institute's activities have made a significant contribution to advancing democratic standards through cooperation with state institutions, political parties, local governments and civil society organisations.

He expressed confidence that the International Republican Institute would continue to support democratic reforms in Montenegro through its regional office, stressing that continued cooperation will be particularly important for strengthening institutional resilience, the rule of law and democratic political culture.

The interlocutors agreed that strong democratic institutions, the rule of law and sustained reform efforts provide the best foundation for Montenegro's continued progress on its European path and for further strengthening its partnership with the United States.