Taoiseach to meet President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, in Dublin

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will welcome the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, to Ireland on Wednesday (25 February).

President Milatović will visit Dublin as part of the ongoing deepening of bilateral relations between Ireland and Montenegro on the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and ahead of Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the EU.

The Taoiseach and President will discuss issues of mutual interest, including Montenegro's progress towards EU accession, growing cooperation between Ireland and Montenegro, the situation in the wider Western Balkans region and other global issues, including Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

During his visit, the President will also meet with President Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin, and he will visit Trinity College Dublin and St Patrick's Cathedral.

Ahead of their meeting, the Taoiseach said:

"I look forward to welcoming President Milatović to Government Buildings for the first official visit by a President of Montenegro to Ireland. This is the culmination of two years of a remarkable deepening in all aspects of our bilateral relationship. It will be an occasion to share views on how we can further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries, promoting more people-to-people and economic ties.

"Montenegro has taken huge strides towards EU accession and is considered the frontrunner amongst all candidate countries. I look forward to discussing with the President how Ireland can help Montenegro make their ambitions of EU membership a reality and our commitment to advancing their accession negotiations during our forthcoming Presidency of the EU. EU enlargement, together with European competitiveness and security, will be an important priority for our Presidency.

"As Ireland is expanding its presence in the Western Balkans, my meeting with President Milatović is also an opportunity to discuss developments in the region, a region that is very important for Europe's stability and prosperity. I know that in Montenegro we have a strong partner as we work to advance our shared priorities based on our commitment to shared values."