Ivanović and Braže: Montenegro and Latvia strengthen partnership

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met in Riga with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Baiba Braže. The discussion took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, reaffirming the strong partnership between the two countries.

Ivanović emphasized that European integration is a strategic priority for Montenegro and expressed gratitude to Latvia for its continuous political and expert support. He highlighted the progress Montenegro has made in the EU accession process, noting the strong societal and political consensus in support of EU membership.

Minister Braže praised Montenegro’s achievements on its European path, stating that Latvia sees Montenegro as a frontrunner in the enlargement process. She expressed her expectation that Montenegro will become a member of the EU by 2028, coinciding with Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Braže noted that Montenegro has demonstrated a serious commitment to European values and is ready to assume the obligations of membership, adding that Latvia will continue to provide full support and share its experience throughout the accession process. She also highlighted the importance of Montenegro’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The two officials underlined the importance of alliance cooperation within NATO. Braže emphasized the contribution of Montenegrin troops to the multinational battlegroup based in Ādaži and thanked Montenegro for its role in strengthening the security of the Baltic region.

Discussions also focused on strengthening economic and tourism ties, with particular attention given to the establishment of seasonal direct flights between Tivat and Riga. The potential opening of a direct route between Podgorica and Riga was also highlighted as an opportunity to further facilitate people-to-people connections and open new avenues for cooperation.

As a mark of respect, Ivanović and Braže laid flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga, after which Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović signed the Guest Book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his visit to the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia, Ivanović met with Deputy Head of European Affairs Committee Uģis Rotbergs, who emphasized that Latvia strongly supports Montenegro’s ambition to become the next EU member and highlighted Montenegro’s leading role in the accession negotiations.

Ivanović expressed his gratitude for the support and briefed Rotbergs on Montenegro’s progress in EU negotiations, underlining the goal of becoming an EU member by 2028. He assessed this as an ambitious but achievable objective, noting that Montenegro’s membership could serve as an example and incentive for other candidate countries. The officials agreed that there is broad potential for cooperation across multiple areas, including politics, security, economy, education, and tourism.

As part of the programme, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović also visited the Museum of the Occupation in Riga, where he learned about the Latvian people’s suffering and resistance during the 20th century.