Ivanović, Pellegrini: Strong support from Slovakia for Montenegro’s EU path

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met today with President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro. The meeting was held in a friendly and open atmosphere and reaffirmed the strong and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed satisfaction with the long-standing and friendly cooperation with Slovakia and thanked the country for its continued support of Montenegro’s European integration. He emphasized the Government’s strong commitment to further strengthening cooperation in key areas such as the economy, culture, education, security, and defensc.

President Pellegrini highlighted that his visit to Montenegro sends a clear message that Slovakia remains a reliable partner on Montenegro’s European path. He noted the considerable potential for enhancing political and economic cooperation and reiterated Slovakia’s readiness to provide expert support and share its experience from the EU accession process. He praised Montenegro’s ambitious EU goals, calling them achievable with consistent implementation of reforms.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović reaffirmed Montenegro’s support for the European aspirations of all countries in the region, while emphasizing the importance of the merit-based approach. He underlined that Montenegro’s accession to the EU as the first country from the region would enhance the credibility of the enlargement process and position Montenegro as a strong advocate for the accession of others.

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević briefed the Slovak President on the progress of accession negotiations, stating that Montenegro has a clear roadmap, an irreversible reform trajectory, and the determination to meet all remaining obligations. She confirmed the Government’s full commitment to implementing reforms and reaffirmed EU membership as the country’s key strategic priority.

Ivanović also stressed Montenegro’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, as well as the Government’s dedication to completing all outstanding obligations from the accession process.

President Pellegrini expressed satisfaction with the pace of reforms and the level of dedication observed during his visit. He emphasized the importance of continuing high-level exchanges and confirmed that Slovakia will remain a strong partner and supporter of Montenegro on its path to EU membership.