Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović took part in the inaugural gathering of foreign ministers from Western Balkan nations, held in Istanbul under the Balkan Peace Platform. This meeting, spearheaded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan, aimed to foster regional dialogue, stability, and collaboration.

Ibrahimović underscored the significance of open and ongoing communication among nations in the region, asserting that peace, stability, and prosperity in the Western Balkans are a collective responsibility of all stakeholders involved.

I extend my gratitude to Minister Fidan for this initiative, which conveys a clear message that dialogue is the sole viable route for fostering regional trust and collaboration. Türkiye serves as a critical partner for all countries in our area, and Montenegro wholeheartedly endorses any form of cooperation that leads to a brighter future for our citizens, stated Ibrahimović.

He highlighted Montenegro’s recognition of Türkiye’s dedication to the Euro-Atlantic community and its esteemed partnership within NATO, emphasizing that all Alliance members share the duty for regional and global security. He reiterated that EU membership ought to be the strategic aim for the entire region and that Montenegro strongly backs the NATO aspirations of nations that uphold Euro-Atlantic values.

During the meeting, attendees particularly focused on enhancing political and economic relationships, exploring concrete opportunities for collaboration in areas such as infrastructure connectivity, trade, energy, culture, and environmental protection. They concurred on the necessity to further strengthen regional cooperation mechanisms and establish joint platforms to tackle contemporary challenges.

Ibrahimović also reflected on recent global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the vulnerability of regional economies to supply chain disruptions. He asserted that regional cooperation is vital for enduring stability, economic growth, and mutual understanding.

He particularly emphasized the significance of demographic cooperation. Coordinated policies on mobility, employment, and youth inclusion are crucial for addressing demographic challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for the entire region, he remarked.