The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is prepared to finance and offer technical assistance for projects that will be executed collaboratively by Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates, as stated by Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of IFC, during his meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who is on a working visit to Washington, D.C.

Prime Minister Spajić highlighted that the recent agreements signify a strengthened bond between Montenegro and the UAE. He conveyed his optimism that these developments would pave the way for cooperation in the energy sector—especially in renewable energy—underscoring that such initiatives ultimately serve the best interests of Montenegrin citizens.

The UAE is currently channeling billions of euros into renewable energy projects and stands as a global leader in this sector. We are ready to provide technical support for drafting a bilateral energy agreement and to offer financial assistance for any joint projects you pursue in this field, Diop remarked.

In this context, the IFC Director stressed the significance of the UAE as a pivotal global player and informed the Prime Minister of a recent strategic decision to establish the IFC Vice President for Central Asia’s office in Dubai.

Prime Minister Spajić also updated the IFC leadership on Montenegro’s upcoming infrastructure projects, particularly the ongoing expansion of the country’s highway network.

In reply, Diop expressed a willingness to cooperate based on a public-private partnership model.

We perceive a significant potential in Montenegro and in the direction your government is pursuing. We aspire to be part of these favorable developments. You can rely on our support, he assured the Prime Minister.

During the discussion, both parties expressed optimism that the airport tendering process, which has been stalled for over five years, would soon reach completion.

After nearly four consecutive governments struggled to address this matter, we anticipate a decision on the future of our airports very shortly. This situation is a critical bottleneck for both tourism and economic growth, and it must be addressed promptly, Prime Minister Spajić emphasized.

Also present at the meeting were Montenegro’s Minister of Finance, Novica Vuković, and the Montenegrin Ambassador to the United States, Jovan Mirković.