Ivanović in Bratislava meets parliamentary committee chairmen and leading Slovak companies

During his visit to Bratislava Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović held a series of separate meetings with key political interlocutors in the Slovak Parliament, as well as with representatives of several Slovak companies. The discussions confirmed Slovakia’s strong support for Montenegro’s European path and interest in intensifying economic cooperation between the two countries.

In a meeting with Jan Ferenčak, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, excellent relations between Montenegro and Slovakia were reaffirmed.

Ferenčak emphasized that Slovakia fully supports Montenegro’s goal of becoming the 28th member of the European Union by 2028, noting that Slovakia sees Montenegro as a leader among Western Balkan countries.

He also stated that Montenegro’s accession to the EU would send a strong signal that the enlargement policy is alive and credible.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed gratitude for the support and encouraging messages, underlining that EU membership is Montenegro’s top foreign policy priority.

We believe that 2028 is a realistic and achievable year for Montenegro’s EU membership, he added.

The officials also reflected on the recent visit of the Committee on European Affairs delegation to the Parliament of Montenegro, noting that parliamentary cooperation is at an exceptionally high level. They discussed areas in which Slovakia can make a concrete contribution to Montenegro’s reform processes and European obligations.

During a meeting with Marian Kery, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović discussed strengthening economic relations. Kery emphasized that Slovakia and Montenegro enjoy friendly relations without open issues, as well as an exceptionally strong political dialogue.

He expressed satisfaction with the decision of the Government of Montenegro to open an Embassy in Bratislava, considering it an important step in further strengthening the partnership.

Speaking about European integration, Kery noted that Montenegro has long met the conditions to become an EU member.

Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country. Your membership would send a strong message that enlargement is not just a promise but a reality, he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović thanked Slovakia for its sincere and long-standing support, emphasizing that excellent political relations should now be complemented by stronger economic cooperation. They discussed areas with significant potential, including road and rail infrastructure, energy, modernization of systems, and tourism.

Continuing his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović held a special meeting with representatives of several Slovak companies operating in various sectors, including infrastructure projects, energy, and engineering services.

Ivanović presented Montenegro’s development plans and potential, highlighting that the country offers a stable, predictable, and increasingly EU-aligned business environment.

The discussions focused on cooperation opportunities in the construction and modernization of road and rail infrastructure, the energy sector, and engineering and construction projects.

The companies presented their project capacities and experience, noting that Montenegro represents an attractive market for new investments and partnerships.

At the conclusion of his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović gave an interview to the Slovak television station TA3.