Ivanović and Mucunski: Commitment to further strengthening relations between Montenegro and North Macedonia

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met with Timčo Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia, with whom he discussed further strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing regional cooperation and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

Minister Mucunski noted that political relations between Montenegro and North Macedonia are at an exceptionally high level, stressing that friendship and mutual trust provide a solid foundation for further deepening cooperation. Referring to the Berlin Process, he highlighted the importance of this year’s activities and Montenegro’s role in organising them, noting that the results achieved confirm the commitment to regional connectivity and shared progress. He also commended Montenegro’s progress in the European integration process, emphasising its importance for the European perspective of the entire region.

The meeting also discussed the enhancement of economic cooperation and transport connectivity, as important prerequisites for increased trade, tourism development and the creation of new business opportunities. In that regard, the importance of tomorrow’s signing of the agreement on establishing a direct air route between Montenegro and North Macedonia was highlighted, as it will create additional opportunities for closer ties between the citizens, businesses and institutions of the two countries.

The two officials highlighted the need for more effective use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms and stronger links between business communities, while encouraging joint initiatives in the fields of tourism, energy, agriculture, education and culture. They noted that strengthening business ties and implementing concrete projects represent important steps towards making fuller use of the potential for cooperation and creating new development opportunities.

Speaking about European integration, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović stressed that Montenegro remains firmly committed to the European perspective of the Western Balkans and strongly supports North Macedonia’s progress towards European Union membership. He emphasised that the European integration of the region is a shared strategic interest and that the progress of each country contributes to the stability, security and prosperity of the entire Western Balkans. In that regard, he highlighted the importance of a credible and predictable enlargement policy that provides candidate countries with a clear prospect of membership, in line with their progress and fulfilment of accession criteria.

DPM Ivanović also underlined the importance of mutual support among countries in the region throughout the European integration process, noting that Montenegro’s experience in accession negotiations could be valuable in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices with North Macedonia. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to contributing to the fulfillment of the region’s European aspirations through reforms, good-neighbourly relations and constructive regional cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmedwillingmness to continue intensive political dialogue and translate joint initiatives into concrete action, expressing confidence that the close and friendly relations between Montenegro and North Macedonia represent an important foundation for stronger economic ties, regional stability and the achievement of their shared goal: the European future of the Western Balkans.