Ivanović meets with french ambassador Umber-Bouvier: continue intensive political dialogue and strong support for Montenegro’s European Integration

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs Dr Filip Ivanović received today the Ambassador of the French Republic to Montenegro, Ms. Cécile Umbach-Bouvier, on her first official visit.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović welcomed Ambassador Umber-Bouvier, expressing satisfaction with the quality and intensity of relations between Montenegro and France, which are characterised by longstanding friendship and strong bilateral cooperation.

The interlocutors assessed that relations between Montenegro and France have been further strengthened through intensive high-level political contacts. They discussed the outcomes of the visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Montenegro and the visit by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to Paris, with particular focus on opportunities to further translate the agreed initiatives and projects into concrete action.

In this context, both sides expressed satisfaction with the signing of a number of agreements, which open up opportunities to further enhance cooperation between Montenegro and France, particularly in the fields of healthcare and defence. Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation in healthcare, including the construction of the University Clinical Centre in Podgorica, as well as in the field of defence, through the procurement of two patrol vessels from Kership.

Ivanović stressed that France, as one of the key EU Member States and one of its founding members, plays an important role in shaping European policies and the European integration process, particularly with regard to strengthening European security, strategic autonomy and the enlargement of the European Union. He emphasised that France’s support is of particular importance to Montenegro, given its active role in bringing the Western Balkans closer to the European Union and its support for reform processes in the region.

The meeting also focused on Montenegro’s European integration, with Ivanović expressing gratitude to France for its continued support for the reform process and Montenegro’s efforts to become the next member of the European Union. He underlined the importance of French support in the final phase of the accession negotiations, as well as the importance of maintaining intensive communication and exchanging experiences between the two countries.

Ambassador Umber-Bouvier commended the progress Montenegro has made on its path towards the European Union, noting that the results achieved confirm the country’s commitment to the European agenda and the implementation of the necessary reforms. She underlined France’s readiness to continue supporting Montenegro in the final phase of the accession negotiations and to contribute to its efforts to become a member of the European Union.

The interlocutors agreed that there is room for further deepening cooperation in the political, economic, security and energy sectors, while maintaining regular communication and strengthening institutional ties between Montenegro and France.

Ivanović wished Ambassador Umber-Bouvier a successful mandate, expressing his conviction that her engagement will further contribute to strengthening the friendly relations between Montenegro and France.