Ibrahimović in Washington: Strong Montenegro–U.S. partnership reaffirmed

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović held several bilateral meetings with representatives of the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of State during the first day of his visit to Washington.

At the meeting with Congresswoman Dina Titus, satisfaction was expressed with the continuation of communication with members of the United States Congress, as well as with their interest in developments in Montenegro and the country's foreign policy activities. Ibrahimović highlighted the importance of visits by members of Congress to Montenegro in order to further strengthen dialogue and partnership, emphasizing that Montenegro attaches particular importance to the continued advancement of overall relations with the United States. The interlocutors agreed that the long-standing friendship and diplomatic relations established more than 120 years ago represent a solid foundation for future cooperation and the strengthening of relations.

In talks with Congresswoman Sarah McBride, the importance of maintaining continuous political dialogue was also underscored, with a need to further enhance it through exchanges of visits and meetings on the margins of international events. Ibrahimović expressed satisfaction with the frequent visits of Montenegrin officials to the United States, as well as gratitude for strong U.S. support for Montenegro's democratic and economic development. It was emphasized that full membership in the European Union by 2028 is Montenegro's key foreign policy priority, while the United States remains its indispensable strategic and political partner. In this context, U.S. support for the European future of Montenegro and the Western Balkan countries was highlighted as particularly important.

Ibrahimović also met with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Central Europe and Southern Europe in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Lawton with whom he discussed the high-quality and dynamic cooperation between the two countries at all levels. Readiness was expressed to further strengthen ties in areas of mutual interest, and appreciation was conveyed to Lawton for his participation in the marking of the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It was assessed that the United States is a strategic partner, friend, and ally of Montenegro, and that cooperation within the NATO has given a special dimension to bilateral relations. The interlocutors agreed that the United States plays a key role in preserving peace and stability in the Western Balkans, as well as in coordinating responses to contemporary global challenges. Ibrahimović emphasized that Montenegro, with its fully aligned EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, is a reliable ally of the United States and remains committed to contributing to a stable and secure regional environment.

Particular appreciation was expressed for the continued focus of the United States on the Western Balkans, as well as for the recent adoption of the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act by the U.S. Congress.