Ibrahimović in Belfast: Montenegro remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation and the European perspective of the region

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović participated in the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Berlin Process, held in Belfast and hosted by the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper.

The meeting brought together foreign ministers from the Western Balkans, EU member states such as Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, as well as special envoys for the Western Balkans from the United Kingdom and France, and representatives of the European Commission. The aim was to exchange views on security, political, and economic challenges and to discuss the next steps within the Berlin Process, a key platform for enhancing regional cooperation and European integration in the region.

During plenary sessions on European security and reconciliation, Ibrahimović emphasised the importance of a joint response to current security challenges, building trust, and strengthening regional stability.

He highlighted Montenegro's steadfast commitment to European values and principles, as well as full alignment with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. The sessions further confirmed strong support from partners for Montenegro's European perspective and that of other Western Balkan countries.

The summit also provided an opportunity for discussions with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper and German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul, who announced an official visit to Montenegro. Talks acknowledged Montenegro's progress and reaffirmed strong support for the finalisation of its EU accession negotiations.

During the working lunch dedicated to regional and European integration, the role of the Berlin Process in promoting concrete initiatives supporting economic connectivity, green and digital transition, and the development of the creative economy was highlighted.

Ibrahimović also stressed the need to further implement obligations from the Common Regional Market agenda, particularly regarding the free movement of citizens and cross-border infrastructure improvements.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Joint Declaration on Women, Peace, and Security in Defence and Security Institutions and the Joint Declaration on the Role of Women in Diplomacy were adopted, emphasising the importance of gender equality in the region's foreign and security policy structures.