The Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Filip Ivanović, held a meeting today with H.E. Martijn Elgersma, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who is based in Belgrade on a non-residential basis. During this meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović congratulated Ambassador Elgersma on his recent appointment.

The discussions encompassed a range of topics, including the bilateral relations between Montenegro and the Netherlands, collaboration within NATO, Montenegro’s journey towards European integration, as well as other significant regional and international issues of shared interest. Both sides recognized the value of the strategic partnership between Montenegro and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, particularly noting their cooperative efforts within NATO.

A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to Montenegro’s EU accession journey. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed his appreciation for the Netherlands’ ongoing support, particularly with respect to the closure of negotiation chapters. He highlighted Montenegro’s high regard for the principled and proactive approach of the Netherlands towards EU enlargement policy and conveyed expectations that Montenegro will be the next country to join the EU.

Ambassador Elgersma praised the Government of Montenegro for its dedication to European integration, emphasizing the necessity for Montenegro to continue aligning with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović updated the Ambassador on Montenegro’s reform initiatives aimed at closing as many negotiation chapters as possible by 2025, while also preserving the process’s momentum into 2026.

The dialogue also highlighted the desire to further strengthen bilateral relations. Both parties acknowledged the high-level relations enjoyed by Montenegro and the Kingdom of the Netherlands and expressed a mutual interest in enhancing cooperation, particularly through the forthcoming bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries of the two nations, which are set to occur in Podgorica in May 2025, as well as through reciprocal visits by senior officials.

The conversation also explored enhancing economic collaboration, with particular attention given to sectors such as energy, tourism, infrastructure projects, information technology, and agriculture. The importance of cultural and consular cooperation was emphasized, with discussions surrounding the potential establishment of an embassy office for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Podgorica.

Ambassador Elgersma thanked Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović for his warm hospitality. The meeting was characterized by an open and friendly atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to future collaboration across all areas of mutual interest.