Ivanović and Mucunski: Readiness to Further Improve Relations Between Montenegro and North Macedonia

Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Dr Filip Ivanović, met with North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timčo Mucunski, with whom he discussed further improving bilateral relations, strengthening regional cooperation and the European perspective of the Western Balkans. In this context, they highlighted the importance of tomorrow’s signing of an agreement establishing a direct air route between Montenegro and North Macedonia, which will create additional opportunities for stronger connections between the citizens, economies and institutions of the two countries. The interlocutors pointed to the need for more effective use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms and stronger links between business communities, while encouraging joint initiatives in tourism, energy, agriculture, education and culture. Speaking about European integration, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović stressed that Montenegro remains firmly committed to the European perspective of the Western Balkans and strongly supports North Macedonia’s progress towards EU membership. Ivanović also emphasised the importance of mutual support among the countries of the region in the European integration process, noting that Montenegro’s experience in accession negotiations could be valuable for exchanging knowledge and best practices with North Macedonia. At the end of the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue intensive political dialogue and implement joint initiatives, convinced that the close and friendly relations between Montenegro and North Macedonia provide an important foundation for stronger economic ties, regional stability and achieving the shared goal of a European future for the Western Balkans.