Spajić: Visit to Japan marks a promising beginning of a strong friendship between our two countries

Montenegro celebrates National Day at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

Montenegro’s participation in EXPO 2025 in Osaka and the upcoming meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan represent a promising start of a lasting and strong friendship between our two countries, said Prime Minister Milojko Spajić during the ceremony marking Montenegro’s National Day at the World Expo in Osaka today.

The Prime Minister noted that Montenegro is celebrating its National Day at EXPO just days after its major state holiday, Independence Day, observed on 21 May.

For Montenegro to succeed amid global challenges, it is crucial to pursue a path of knowledge-based development, and Japan is indeed the best teacher and example in that regard, Spajić said.

He added that the time is ripe to elevate the bilateral relations between Montenegro and Japan—which will soon approach a century and a half of diplomatic history—to a new level across various fields of mutual interest.

Pointing to the Expo’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the Prime Minister emphasized how well these themes align with Montenegro’s strategic orientation toward smart and sustainable development.

Let me highlight that we are firmly convinced that knowledge and innovation are the foundations of societal progress. Our final phase toward achieving our key foreign policy goal—EU membership by 2028—is strongly anchored in reforms in education, science, and innovation, he stated.

Spajić reiterated that Montenegro’s participation in EXPO 2025 and the upcoming meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba mark the beginning of an excellent partnership between the two nations.

The ceremony featured a performance by renowned opera singer Tamara Rađenović, who performed the national anthems of both Montenegro and Japan.

During the visit to EXPO 2025, Prime Minister Spajić toured both the Montenegrin and Japanese pavilions.

The event was also attended by Minister of Education, Science and Innovation Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Minister of Finance Novica Vuković, Prince Nikola Petrović, the President and members of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, distinguished guests from Osaka’s business and cultural communities, and representatives of national pavilions participating in EXPO 2025.

EXPO 2025 is taking place in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October 2025 under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, with three subthemes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.

Montenegro has participated in the World Expositions four times to date. As the Principality of Montenegro, it first took part in the 1905 World Expo in Liège. Since regaining independence in 2006, Montenegro has participated in the World Expos in Shanghai (2010), Milan (2015), and Dubai (2021).

Consistent participation in global expositions provides a unique platform for international promotion, strengthens bilateral relations, enhances the country’s brand, and opens new avenues for foreign direct investment and tourism.