Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica pays an official visit to Israel

Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica is paying an official visit to the State of Israel, during which he met with Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel Gideon Sa'ar.

In cordial and substantive discussions, the officials explored opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Montenegro and Israel, with a particular focus on enhancing anti-corruption capacities, civil protection, cybersecurity, as well as cooperation in the fields of economy, innovation, green technologies, tourism, and education. Both sides expressed their shared readiness to deepen cooperation based on mutual respect and friendly relations.

During the meeting with Speaker Ohana, emphasis was placed on the importance of open communication and political dialogue in times of global challenges, strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, and developing concrete projects that deliver mutual benefits for the citizens of both countries. Speaker Ohana highlighted the growing interest of Israeli companies in investing in Montenegro, as well as the fact that Israeli tourists increasingly recognize Montenegro as a safe destination, evidenced by the rising number of visits and overnight stays. Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica underscored that Israeli investments in Montenegro are recognized as sound and sustainable, adding that the Government's objective is to stimulate investments and remove market entry barriers by eliminating the causes and manifestations of corruption, which is a key precondition for economic growth. He further noted that Israeli tourists represent the most numerous group of non-European visitors to Montenegro and stressed that the country consistently prioritizes security. He also highlighted that Montenegrin society is not associated with public manifestations of antisemitism, which testifies to its maturity, openness, and strong culture of remembrance of the Holocaust.

At the meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sa'ar, discussions primarily centered on strengthening bilateral relations and the fight against antisemitism. Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica informed Minister Sa'ar of a fact of particular pride for Montenegro: the construction of the first synagogue in the Balkans since World War II, supported significantly by the Government and the Capital City, as a testament to the strong relationship between the state and the Jewish community in Montenegro, which is an inseparable part of society and a cornerstone of its multicultural identity. He also recalled the unveiling of the Velvetta Monument in Nikšić on 3 July 2024, at which he delivered remarks and took part in the ceremony. The monument commemorates the assistance provided by Yugoslavia and Montenegro to the State of Israel in 1948 during its struggle for survival. Minister Sa'ar expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Government of Montenegro in supporting the Jewish community, which he described as an important bridge in the friendly relations between the two states. He also conveyed Israel's unequivocal and sincere support for Montenegro's full accession to the European Union.

The visit represents an important step toward strengthening political, institutional, and economic relations between Montenegro and the State of Israel, underlining the commitment of both sides to continuing constructive cooperation, mutual understanding, and identifying concrete areas of common interest for further advancement of bilateral ties.