Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis reiterated Greece's steadfast support for Montenegro's accession path to the European Union, following his meeting in Podgorica with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimovic.
Mr. Gerapetritis said that he had the honor of being received by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the Foreign Minister, and thanked Mr. Ibrahimovic for his warm words towards Greece and himself personally. He stressed "that Greek support for Montenegro is not an obligation but a conscious political choice, aimed at further developing the relations between the two countries and facilitating the country's European path."
The Foreign Minister praised the efforts of the government of Montenegro and personally of Mr. Ibrahimovic to promote necessary reforms, noting "that Montenegro's accession to the European Union will be of mutual benefit both for the country itself and for the EU."
Referring to the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's independence, he emphasized "that it is an important milestone for the country and its people, while noting that Greece and Montenegro are linked by traditional ties of friendship, mutual respect, and common historical references."
Mr. Gerapetritis stressed that today's discussion confirmed the high level of bilateral relations and the significant potential for further cooperation in many areas. He also emphasized "that the two countries, as allies in NATO and states of the same geographical neighborhood, have a common interest in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in Southeastern Europe."
He placed particular emphasis on the European perspective of Montenegro, noting "that Greece conveys not only its own support but also a broader message of solidarity on behalf of the European Union. He also congratulated the country on organizing the EU-Western Balkans Summit, at which Greece was represented by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, a fact that he said demonstrates the importance Athens attaches to the European perspective of the region."
The Foreign Minister stressed "that the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is a strategic choice that will contribute to the stability, peace, and development of a region that has experienced serious turmoil and conflicts in the past."
At the same time, he welcomed the progress Montenegro has achieved in fulfilling the accession criteria, and made special reference to the country's full alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, calling it an important achievement that demonstrates the convergence of views on international security issues.
As he stated, "the initiation of the drafting process of the Treaty of Accession of Montenegro constitutes a substantive recognition of the progress achieved and confirms the country's position as a frontrunner in the accession process of the Western Balkans. He expressed the hope that the transition from the negotiation stage to full membership will accelerate in the coming period."
Mr. Gerapetritis reiterated "that Greece will continue to provide expertise and support on issues of reforms and integration of the European acquis, recalling that from the Thessaloniki Agenda of 2003, Athens has historically been one of the strongest supporters of the European perspective of the Western Balkans."
In this context, he also referred to the Delphi Declaration, noting "that in view of the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027, Greece is committed to keeping the issue of enlargement towards the Western Balkans high on the European agenda. He even described as a 'major goal' the possibility that Greece will welcome Montenegro as a new member state of the EU during its presidency."
A significant part of the talks was also devoted to bilateral relations. The Foreign Minister said "that the two sides discussed further development of economic cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, environmental technology, academic cooperation, and culture."
He made special mention of cooperation to promote regional connectivity in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, ports, and transport, highlighting the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian Motorway for enhancing trade, tourism, and business partnerships.
At the same time, he announced that it was agreed to hold a business mission from Greece to Podgorica in the near future, with the aim of exploring new investment opportunities and partnerships between businesses of the two countries.
Mr. Gerapetrittis also highlighted the increasing mobility of visitors between Greece and Montenegro, noting that direct air connections contribute decisively to strengthening ties between the two peoples and mutual understanding.
In closing, he thanked Mr. Ibrahimovic for the hospitality and constructive cooperation, assuring "that Greece will continue to stand by Montenegro both bilaterally and in its path towards accession to the European Union, a development that, as he stressed, will strengthen both Montenegro itself and the European Union as a whole."
