Ibrahimović, Fearne: Malta strongly supports Montenegro on its European path

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met today in Podgorica with Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Malta Chris Fearne, whom he congratulated on assuming office and welcomed to Montenegro. He assessed that the first official visit by Malta’s Foreign Minister to Montenegro sends a strong signal of the two countries’ shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.

Ibrahimović noted that Montenegro and Malta are bound by friendly relations, a shared Mediterranean context and many similarities, emphasising that geographically small states often have a better understanding of each other, as well as of their challenges and needs. There is significant scope to further develop our relations, exchange experiences and make use of what we have learned as two small Mediterranean states in addressing common challenges, Ibrahimović said.

Particular attention was paid to Montenegro’s European integration. Ibrahimović thanked Malta for its continued and strong support for Montenegro’s European path and for an enlargement policy based on individual merit and progress in reforms, stressing that Montenegro is currently the most advanced candidate for EU membership.

With 18 negotiating chapters provisionally closed, Montenegro has entered the final phase of the negotiating process. We have already submitted nine negotiating positions to the European Commission, and we will submit the remaining six by the end of September. We are maintaining our focus and the pace of reforms, and we believe that our goal of completing the negotiating process by the end of this year is achievable, Ibrahimović said.

He stressed that EU membership for Montenegro is not simply a matter of closing negotiating chapters, but also of being ready to contribute to the Union as a new member. We want to join the EU as a country that has implemented the necessary reforms, but also as a country that brings new value, experience and energy to the European project, Ibrahimović said.

The interlocutors also discussed concrete opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of the economy, investment, tourism, education, healthcare and the judiciary. They stressed the need for stronger links between business and institutional stakeholders, as well as improved transport connectivity between the two countries.

Minister Fearne said there are many opportunities to further strengthen relations between Montenegro and Malta, particularly by improving connectivity, with a focus on establishing direct air links between the two countries. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation within the Mediterranean sphere, which provides additional opportunities for exchanging experiences and joint action. He stressed that his visit to Montenegro today was intended to demonstrate Malta’s full and clear support for Montenegro’s EU membership, noting that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country in the accession process.

The interlocutors welcomed the holding of the first bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries of Montenegro and Malta, scheduled to take place in Podgorica on 22 October, which will further contribute to structuring and intensifying bilateral dialogue.

Ibrahimović also briefed Minister Fearne on Montenegro’s upcoming chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, as well as the Berlin Process and the Western Balkans Fund, assessing that these responsibilities will provide an additional opportunity for Montenegro to contribute to strengthening European and multilateral cooperation. Malta has valuable experience from its recent chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and we particularly appreciate its willingness to share its experience and lessons learned with us. Our chairmanship will be an opportunity to further contribute to promoting European standards and shared values, Ibrahimović said.

The two officials confirmed their readiness to continue intensive political dialogue and to further develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest, noting that the friendly relations between Montenegro and Malta have significant potential for further deepening.