Ibrahimović, Bettel: Luxembourg's support provides strong momentum for Montenegro's EU path

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met today with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro.

Ibrahimović described Minister Bettel's visit as a confirmation of the substantive political dialogue and friendly relations between the two countries, which continue to develop in the spirit of mutual trust, shared European values and close cooperation within NATO.

He particularly highlighted the importance of opening Montenegro's Diplomatic Office in Luxembourg, noting that this marks a new phase in the development of bilateral relations and provides additional impetus for enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Ibrahimović thanked Luxembourg for its principled and continuous support for Montenegro's European integration, stressing that Montenegro has achieved historic progress in the accession negotiations and reaffirmed its position as the most advanced candidate country for European Union membership.

He underlined that Montenegro remains committed to implementing reforms and fulfilling its obligations under the European agenda, expressing confidence that the country's achievements will continue to be recognised through the further closure of negotiating chapters and the preservation of a credible merit-based enlargement policy.

The two officials exchanged views on current international and regional developments, reaffirming the full alignment of Montenegro and Luxembourg within the framework of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, as well as their shared commitment to preserving peace, stability and the rules-based international order.

They also agreed that there is considerable potential for further strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of investment, energy, information technology, tourism, education and defence. Both sides expressed interest in fostering closer ties between their business communities through the organisation of business forums and more frequent exchanges of business delegations, with the aim of creating new opportunities for cooperation and encouraging investment. Ibrahimović emphasised the importance of further strengthening economic relations and expressed interest in attracting additional investment drom Luxembourg to Montenegro.

The interlocutors also highlighted the important role of Montenegro's diaspora in Luxembourg, describing it as a valuable bridge between the two countries that contributes to stronger people-to-people, cultural and economic ties. Ibrahimović noted that the Montenegrin diaspora in Luxembourg is well integrated into society while preserving its traditions and identity, and represents an important asset for expanding cooperation across various fields and bringing the two friendly countries even closer.

Bettel commended Montenegro's progress on its European path, particularly the reform achievements made in the areas of the rule of law and the judiciary, assessing that they demonstrate the country's commitment to European values and standards. He also welcomed the opening of Montenegro's Diplomatic Office in Luxembourg, noting that it is the first diplomatic representation of a Western Balkan country in Luxembourg, representing an important step forward in strengthening bilateral relations. He reiterated Luxembourg's strong support for a merit-based European Union enlargement policy, emphasising that Montenegro is a positive example in the region and expressing confidence that it will continue to successfully implement reforms on its path towards full EU membership.

The two officials expressed satisfaction with the dynamic bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in the interest of further strengthening the partnership between the two friendly countries.