The Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Filip Ivanović, held discussions in Riga with representatives from Latvia’s IT and technology sectors regarding potential collaboration in ICT, 5G infrastructure, digitalization, and cybersecurity, as well as exploring future joint projects.

Ivanović highlighted Montenegro’s objective to broaden the scope of digital services and improve their effectiveness, aiming to minimize bureaucracy and streamline everyday procedures for both citizens and businesses. He outlined Montenegro’s initiatives in this realm, including the establishment of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) and the Government’s Cybersecurity Agency, emphasizing the strong political commitment to further these efforts.

This visit allowed the Montenegrin delegation to gain insights into Latvia’s advancements in digitalization and the processes that have led to these achievements. Ivanović noted Latvia’s status as a European leader in e-government and digital services, recognizing the importance of leveraging their experience for Montenegro’s benefit. Latvian officials expressed their willingness to support Montenegro and provided an overview of collaboration areas, including technological solutions and practical models developed in recent years.

During his visit, Ivanović toured the Science and Innovation Centre at Riga Technical University, where he learned about the work of various laboratories and research teams. Projects focused on engineering, robotics, and cutting-edge digital technologies were showcased. The visit underscored the critical nature of collaboration in science, emerging technologies, and innovation, sparking discussions around joint initiatives and exchange programs. Ivanović reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to enhancing capabilities in these areas, viewing Latvia’s experience as a valuable template for knowledge exchange and cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister also visited Montenegrin troops stationed with the multinational NATO battlegroup at the Ādaži base, where ten members of the Montenegrin Armed Forces are involved in the Enhanced Forward Presence mission alongside Alliance partners. During this meeting, the soldiers briefed him on their daily tasks and responsibilities, and they discussed the mission’s significance and Montenegro’s role in collective security.

Ivanović commended the professionalism and dedication of Montenegrin soldiers, noting that their presence in Latvia reinforces Montenegro’s reliability as an ally and contributes to deterrence and defense along NATO’s eastern flank. He stressed that the deployment of Montenegrin troops in Latvia, along with participation in other NATO missions, illustrates Montenegro’s responsible policies and clear commitment to collective security and shared values within the Alliance.