DPM Ibrahimović meets with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met today with the U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker as part of his visit to the Western Balkans region.

Ibrahimović expressed satisfaction with Ambassador Whitaker’s visit to Montenegro, emphasising the importance of continuous political dialogue between Montenegro and the United States, as well as their alliance within NATO. During the talks, he recalled the historic significance of Montenegro’s accession to NATO in 2017, stressing that membership in the Alliance represents a key pillar of national stability and security.

He underlined that the United States is Montenegro’s most important strategic partner, expressing gratitude for its strong support for the country’s foreign policy priorities. In this context, he reiterated Montenegro’s goal of closing all negotiation chapters by the end of the current year, as well as achieving full membership in the European Union by 2028. He particularly highlighted the importance of NATO as a guarantor of peace and prosperity, stressing that without the United States there is neither a stable international order nor a strong Alliance.

Ambassador Whitaker highlighted the strong relations between the United States and Montenegro and commended Montenegro’s progress, expressing optimism regarding its continued development and success.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on contemporary security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area, with a particular focus on hybrid activities and the spread of disinformation, agreeing that there is additional room for strengthening cooperation in order to more effectively address these complex threats.

It was concluded that the two allies will continue to develop their overall bilateral cooperation and remain committed to preserving peace, stability and democratic development in the Western Balkans.