Ibrahimović hosts reception on the occasion of Montenegrin Diplomacy Day

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović hosted a reception today in Cetinje on the occasion of Montenegrin Diplomacy Day, established last year in remembrance of 6 May 1874, when the Office for Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Montenegro was founded.

Ibrahimović emphasized the importance of honoring the enduring values of diplomacy, Montenegro’s proud history, and its centuries-long statehood – from Duklja, through Zeta and the Principality of Montenegro, to the present-day modern state. He stated that this day also serves as a tribute to the most significant figures in Montenegrin diplomatic history: Stanko Radonjić, Gavro Vuković, Ante Gvozdenović, Evgenije Popović, Pero Šoć, Dušan Gregović, Lazar Tomanović, Mitar Bakić, Petar Plamenac, and others.

They authored the first diplomatic notes and laid the foundations of our diplomacy, thus elevating Montenegro’s international reputation, said Ibrahimović. He also reflected on the notable contributions of Montenegrin ambassadors and diplomats during the Yugoslav period, and their role in the restoration of independence in 2006.

Ibrahimović highlighted the country's multiethnic and multireligious harmony as core values shaping contemporary foreign policy. Respect and appreciation for others form the basis of Montenegro’s strong relationships with like-minded countries and are at the heart of our diplomacy, he stated.

Speaking about current foreign policy priorities, he reaffirmed Montenegro’s strong commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, active engagement in multilateral organizations, and emphasized that EU membership by 2028 remains the country’s key strategic goal. He also reiterated that NATO membership represents the most significant achievement in the country’s modern foreign policy history. As a reliable and stable member, we are firmly committed to advancing our national priorities and making tangible contributions to all key Alliance policies, he added.

Ibrahimović also addressed the important role of the Montenegrin diaspora and ongoing efforts to protect the rights and interests of Montenegrin citizens abroad. In this regard, he announced the upcoming opening of new diplomatic missions in Denmark, Switzerland, and a diplomatic office in Luxembourg. These steps will expand our diplomatic network and deepen bilateral relations with these countries, he concluded.

Earlier today, Ibrahimović laid a wreath at the tomb of Stanko Radonjić in Njeguši, an eminent Montenegrin diplomat and the first head of the Office for Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Montenegro (1874), who also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1879 to 1889.

The reception at the Government House in Cetinje was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government ministers, state officials, former foreign ministers and ambassadors, as well as Prince Nikola Petrović.

As part of the ceremony, an exhibition of archival materials showcasing the rich history and development of Montenegrin diplomacy was presented in cooperation with the National Museum and the State Archives of Montenegro. The cultural programme featured a performance by renowned Montenegrin soprano Sara Vujošević-Jovanović.