Ivanović participates in Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović participated today in the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv, where he joined regional leaders and senior officials in discussions on strengthening European security, EU enlargement, continued support for Ukraine and enhancing regional cooperation.

Addressing the Summit, Ivanović reaffirmed Montenegro’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stressing that defending sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law is a shared interest of all European countries. He underlined that Montenegro will continue to stand with Ukraine and welcomed all international efforts aimed at achieving an end to the war.

The Summit concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration, reaffirming unified support for Ukraine, commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, support for Ukraine’s European path, and the importance of strengthening regional security and continuing joint efforts towards achieving a just and lasting peace.

On the margins of the Summit, responding to journalists’ questions, Ivanović reiterated Montenegro’s support for Ukraine’s European perspective and the European Union’s enlargement policy, stressing that a united Europe remains the strongest guarantee of peace, stability and prosperity. He also underlined that, once Montenegro soon becomes a full member of the European Union, it will be a strong advocate of a merit-based enlargement policy, free from unnecessary administrative or political obstacles.

Ahead of the Summit, participants attended the ceremony marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day, hosted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In addition to Ivanović, the Summit brought together President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Albania Bajram Begaj, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Romania Nicușor Dan, Prime Ministers Janez Janša of Slovenia and Andrej Plenković of Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia Bekim Sali, Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova, while Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas joined the Summit via video link.