Ibrahimović meets with Grlić Radman in Kotor: Montenegro and Croatia strengthen partnership through open dialogue and European values

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović visited Kotor today, where he hosted Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman. The two ministers attended the ceremonial academy of the Boka Navy (Bokeljska mornarica), one of the most significant symbols of the shared cultural and historical heritage of Montenegro and Croatia.

On this occasion, Ibrahimović extended sincere congratulations to members of the Croatian community in Montenegro on the Day of the Croatian People, emphasizing the strong symbolism of this date and its importance for preserving the multiethnic and civic character of Montenegrin society.

Ibrahimović underlined that the protection of the rights of national minorities represents one of the key commitments of the Government of Montenegro, and that this issue is approached with particular care and responsibility.

In this context, he recalled specific activities undertaken by the Government of Montenegro in the recent period, including the allocation of premises of the “Josip Marković” Cultural Center in Tivat to the Republic of Croatia, the organization of the Croatian Summer Campus at Ivanova Korita, support for field-based education in Šibenik for students attending Croatian-language classes in Montenegro, as well as the resumption of the work of the Intergovernmental Mixed Committee for the Protection of National Minorities after a multi-year hiatus.

Ibrahimović expressed the expectation that the same level of sensitivity would be applied to improving the position of the Montenegrin national community in the Republic of Croatia, particularly with regard to securing adequate premises for its activities in Zagreb.

Speaking about bilateral relations, Ibrahimović recalled that the Republic of Croatia is Montenegro’s neighboring country, a NATO ally, and a strong promoter of Montenegro’s European path, with whom relations are built on mutual respect, trust, and European values.

We have clearly expressed our readiness to openly and responsibly address even those issues that have burdened our relations for decades, convinced that they can be resolved exclusively through dialogue, he said.

Ibrahimović assessed that significant progress has been made in this direction, recalling the intensified communication and bilateral consultations held at the highest political level, as well as the work of special commissions dealing with sensitive issues, including missing persons, border issues, and the training ship “Jadran.”

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman used the opportunity to reiterate that Croatia remains a reliable promoter of Montenegro on its European path and additionally thanked Ibrahimović for his strong contribution to improving bilateral relations.

In conclusion, Ibrahimović reaffirmed Montenegro’s strong commitment to the further development of good-neighborly relations with the Republic of Croatia, in the interest of citizens of both countries, regional stability, and the creation of relations that will serve as a model of good neighborliness for future generations.