During the second day of his official visit to Madrid, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU, and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares.

In a cordial and open environment, Minister Albares stressed that Montenegro and Spain are aligned in their values and expressed a desire to reinforce bilateral ties. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović acknowledged the strong relationship between the two nations and observed opportunities to enhance cooperation across several sectors.

Reiterating that full membership in the European Union remains Montenegro’s top foreign policy goal, Ivanović reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving this target by 2028—an ambitious yet attainable timeline. He expressed hope that Spain would persist in being a robust advocate for EU enlargement and a reliable supporter of Montenegro’s European ambitions.

During their meeting, Ivanović briefed Minister Albares on Montenegro’s advancements in its EU accession process, emphasizing the country’s complete alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, alongside consistent public backing for EU membership.

Minister Albares positively evaluated Montenegro’s progress in its accession, particularly noting the continued pace of reforms and the nation’s dedication to conforming to European standards. “Spain is a strong supporter of Montenegro’s accession to the European Union, and we believe this process will culminate with your country’s membership in 2028,” stated the Spanish minister.

The officials exchanged views on current regional and global events, discussing Montenegro’s role as a dependable and stabilizing partner in international affairs. Cooperation within NATO was also addressed, with both parties recognizing the strength of their partnership and expressing readiness to further enhance it.

Both ministers assessed bilateral relations as very positive, with Minister Albares pointing out the potential for expanding political dialogue and collaboration. Special emphasis was placed on bolstering economic relations, especially considering the increasing opportunities for Spanish investment in Montenegro and joint initiatives across various sectors.

They also explored the possibility of establishing a Cervantes Institute in Montenegro, which reflects their mutual interest in promoting cultural and educational exchanges.

Looking forward, the officials noted the upcoming celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their countries, scheduled for 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović invited Minister Albares to visit Montenegro, indicating that such a trip would significantly enhance bilateral ties and political cooperation.

Prior to the meeting, Ivanović and Albares signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations to foster deeper collaboration in the area of European integration. This signing reinforces Spain’s strong dedication to supporting Montenegro’s EU journey and signifies Montenegro’s readiness to bolster its institutions and administrative capacity through a productive partnership with an EU member state.