Ibrahimović at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Regional cooperation in focus, Montenegro a reliable partner

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ervin Ibrahimović, is participating in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where today he spoke at a panel discussion dedicated to the importance of regional cooperation for the prosperity of the Balkans. The panel also included addresses from the foreign ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković; North Macedonia,Timčo Mucunski; and Serbia, Marko Đurić, as well as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mehmet Kemal Bozay, and the Secretary General of the RCC, Amer Kapetanović.

In his introductory remarks, Minister Ibrahimović stated that maintaining and strengthening good neighborly relations is one of the key priorities of Montenegro's foreign policy, and that regional cooperation contributes to the development of each state and the acceleration of their path towards membership in the European Union.

"Since gaining independence, we have invested significant efforts to achieve concrete benefits for our citizens through regional initiatives. The South-East European Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Berlin Process, as well as other initiatives, help us to reach European standards in many areas."

Ibrahimović warned that unresolved issues among the countries of the region, as well as a lack of political will, could slow down integration processes, but also emphasized that cooperation within regional organizations has the potential to improve bilateral contacts and understanding, if used in the right way. "Good infrastructure is necessary for stronger regional ties and cooperation. It can further attract investments and strengthen the economy, but all of this must be based on mutual respect, peace, trust, and security," the Minister assessed. He also recalled that Montenegro remains fully committed to European integration and that it will "continue to build a more connected and prosperous region of Southeast Europe through regional partnerships."

Today in Antalya, Ibrahimović met with the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun Sinirlioğlu. They discussed key global security challenges and the future of the Organization, and both sides emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the aim of strengthening regional and international security. They particularly highlighted the importance of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression.

The Minister emphasized that Montenegro actively participates in activities on the multilateral level, including within the OSCE, which, in the coming period, can play a key role in building a new security architecture in Europe. Sinirlioğlu stated that Montenegro is an important partner and that the OSCE will continue to support processes aimed at building peace and strengthening security and the rule of law.