Ibrahimović receives farewell visit from non-resident Ambassador of Estonia Raul Toomas: Estonia strongly supports the final phase of Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović received a farewell visit from the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Montenegro, based in Budapest, Raul Toomas.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Toomas for his dedicated work throughout his diplomatic service, as well as for his sincere friendship and continuous support for Montenegro in its European integration process.

Ibrahimović particularly emphasized Montenegro’s appreciation for the Republic of Estonia’s strong and consistent support for the European Union’s enlargement policy toward the countries of the Western Balkans. He noted that Estonia’s support is especially significant in light of Montenegro’s strategic objective of concluding its EU accession negotiations by the end of this year, with the aim of becoming a full member of the Union by the end of 2028.

During the meeting, it was assessed that the enlargement policy, exemplified precisely through Montenegro’s case, continues to demonstrate its importance as a key EU policy and as an indicator of the Union’s strength, credibility, and vision. In this context, Ambassador Toomas stated that Montenegro’s future membership in the EU would be beneficial both for the European Union and for Montenegro. It was further reaffirmed that Estonian officials consistently recognize Montenegro as the candidate country that has advanced the furthest in the accession process.

The interlocutors jointly praised the intensive cooperation within NATO, which further strengthens relations between the two countries as they face growing security challenges in Europe. It was emphasized that both countries serve as examples of how states with relatively small territories can nevertheless make a significant contribution to collective defence.

The meeting also identified cybersecurity and digital resilience as the most developed dimensions of bilateral cooperation, with particular appreciation expressed for Estonia’s sharing of its experience in countering malign influences.

At the conclusion of the meeting, confidence was expressed that Montenegro and Estonia will continue to develop their relations in a spirit of sincere friendship, alliance, and intensive cooperation in areas of mutual interest.