Ivanović meets with Ambassador Jones: Montenegro and the United Kingdom committed to further strengthening strategic partnership

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs Dr Filip Ivanović received Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Montenegro Nerys Jones for her introductory visit today.

During the meeting, the interlocutors reaffirmed the traditionally good and friendly relations between Montenegro and the United Kingdom, as well as their shared commitment to further strengthening and advancing bilateral ties. They exchanged views on current issues of relevance to bilateral relations, with particular focus on Montenegro’s European integration, regional cooperation, security and defence, the fight against organised crime, as well as opportunities for enhancing economic and energy cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed his gratitude to the United Kingdom for its support to Montenegro and the Western Balkans, particularly in the context of strengthening stability, the rule of law and the European perspective of the region. He highlighted Montenegro’s appreciation for the strong cooperation with the United Kingdom in the fields of defence and security, bearing in mind the two countries’ allied relationship within NATO, as well as London’s continued support for strengthening Montenegro’s institutional capacities. Ivanović noted that there is significant scope for further intensifying bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual interest, including the economy, investment, energy, green transition, digitalisation, education and tourism.

Particular attention during the meeting was devoted to Montenegro’s European integration. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović briefed the Ambassador on the latest progress in the accession negotiations and the reform activities being implemented by Montenegro with a view to fulfilling the remaining obligations under the European agenda.

Ambassador Jones commended the progress Montenegro has made on its European path, particularly highlighting its commitment to continuing the reform process and delivering tangible results in areas relevant to EU membership. She underscored that the United Kingdom values Montenegro’s clear European orientation, its constructive role in the region and its contribution to strengthening regional stability, and expressed London’s readiness to continue supporting Montenegro in achieving its strategic objectives. The Ambassador also welcomed Montenegro’s efforts in the areas of the rule of law, strengthening institutions and improving the security sector, stressing the importance of continuing reforms and building strong and resilient institutions.

The interlocutors also discussed cybersecurity, hybrid threats, strategic communications and countering foreign interference, areas that are gaining increasing importance in the contemporary security environment. They assessed that there is also significant potential for further cooperation in combating organised and cross-border crime and irregular migration. They also addressed the importance of tourism and air connectivity, given the strong interest of British tourists in Montenegro. They noted that direct air links between the two countries create additional opportunities for the development of tourism, business cooperation and closer people-to-people contacts.

The meeting reaffirmed the two sides’ commitment to maintaining an open, substantive and constructive political dialogue, with the shared conviction that the existing Montenegro–UK partnership will be further advanced in the period ahead through concrete cooperation and the implementation of joint activities.