Estonia cherishes its partnership with Montenegro and remains steadfast in its commitment to provide expert assistance, particularly in European integration, cybersecurity, and digitalization, stated Estonian President Alar Karis.

While in Montenegro, Karis met with Filip Ivanović, the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs.

During the meeting, it was mutually recognized that Montenegro and Estonia enjoy strong bilateral relations founded on friendship, shared Euro-Atlantic values, and Estonia’s enduring support for Montenegro’s European aspirations and reform initiatives.

“Both sides expressed a desire to further enhance these relations and make them more substantial across various areas of mutual interest,” the statement noted.

Karis expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating his pleasure at visiting Montenegro for the first time, and reiterated Estonia’s dedication to supporting Montenegro, particularly in the fields of European integration, cybersecurity, and digitalization.

He expressed hopes for more nations to join the European Union (EU), labeling Montenegro as the most advanced candidate in this process.

Ivanović highlighted Montenegro’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, especially in public administration reform, modernization, digitalization, and improving overall institutional efficiency.

In this regard, Ivanović pointed out Estonia as a model for effective digital transformation, noting that its experiences could greatly benefit Montenegro.

The government’s goal is to establish a public administration that is secure, efficient, user-friendly, and easily accessible for citizens.

The meeting recognized significant opportunities for enhancing cooperation, particularly in tourism, cybersecurity, education, and knowledge exchange.

“They also discussed the potential organization of a business forum and chambers of commerce as a concrete step toward strengthening economic relations between the two nations,” the statement added.

The representatives exchanged views on current developments regarding Montenegro’s EU accession process.

Ivanović updated Karis on key reforms and achievements, including a positive IBAR assessment, emphasizing that Montenegro is the first candidate country to receive the Interim Benchmark Report, marking a significant milestone.

He expressed special gratitude toward Estonia for its unwavering support for the EU’s enlargement policy, asserting that Montenegro has consistently aligned itself with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, thus affirming its role as a trustworthy and responsible partner.

Karis further expressed Estonia’s readiness to send experts and offer guidance in the continued implementation of reforms in line with Montenegro’s needs, both in European integration and other shared areas of interest.

“The importance of further developing tourism exchanges and enhancing cooperation in this domain was mutually agreed upon,” the statement included.

Particular emphasis was placed on the significance of student and teacher exchanges, along with improving collaborative efforts in education and innovation, as noted by the government.

“The significant role of the Estonian Academy of Electronic Governance was also acknowledged, with which Montenegro is already engaged in substantial cooperation concerning digital transformation and cybersecurity,” the statement highlighted.

The interlocutors concluded that Estonia is a valued partner for Montenegro on its European and digital journey, noting that all bases exist for deepening comprehensive bilateral cooperation rooted in mutual understanding and friendship.

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