Ervin Ibrahimović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, in New York
From meetings with the diaspora and initiatives for clean air to active participation within the United Nations, Montenegro continues to showcase its international engagement and strategic orientation
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, participated in the General Debate of the 80 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held from 19 th to 25 th September in New York. Throughout seven days, the Minister presented Montenegro as a responsible and active state on the international stage, strengthening ties with the diaspora, promoting humanitarian initiatives, and advancing bilateral and multilateral relations.
One of the most significant moments of the visit was the opening of the international event “Healthy Indoor Air – A Global Call to Action”, organised by Montenegro in cooperation with France and supported by international scientific institutions. Ibrahimović emphasised that, from the very first article of its Constitution, Montenegro is defined as an ecological state.
“Improving air quality in schools and workplaces is not merely a technical issue; it is an investment in the health and future of our children,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro. The event culminated in the signing of the Global Charter on Healthy Air, through which the international community formally recognised, for the first time, clean air in classrooms, hospitals, and workplaces as a universal human right.
INNOVATION AND SECURITY
Ibrahimović addressed the United Nations Security Council during the debate on artificial intelligence, highlighting its potential to strengthen peacekeeping missions, enable early warning systems and improve humanitarian response, while also pointing out the serious risks it poses and the need for global responsibility and partnership in managing new technologies.
“If we act responsibly and together, artificial intelligence can become a force for peace, not a threat,” stated Ibrahimović.
At the Transatlantic Dinner hosted by the United States Secretary of State, Mark Rubio, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the modernisation of Montenegro’s armed forces, the development of drone projects in partnership with the United States, and the strengthening of transatlantic unity, underscoring Montenegro’s continued support for Ukraine through humanitarian and security assistance.
During his stay in New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović participated in several important meetings and gatherings ahead of the 80 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, reaffirming Montenegro’s strong commitment to enhancing regional cooperation, multilateralism, and gender equality.
Together with world leaders, Ibrahimović attended the ceremony marking the 80 th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, emphasising Montenegro’s commitment to joint initiatives for peace and to strengthening the role of the UN in addressing global challenges.
At the working breakfast of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, he underlined that European integration is essential for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region, stating that “the European Union is not merely a geopolitical necessity, but a shared framework for peace, development, and the democratic values we all uphold.” He added that Montenegro remains firmly committed to completing accession negotiations by the end of 2026 and achieving full membership by 2028, emphasising that “regional cooperation and the building of trust are the best instruments for overcoming challenges and opening new opportunities for citizens.”
FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE
Speaking at the meeting marking the 30 th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Ibrahimović underlined that Montenegro stands alongside its global partners in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
“Advocating for women’s rights, combating violence and discrimination, and challenging deeply rooted stereotypes – this is the essence of good governance and the foundation of sustainable development,” emphasised Ibrahimović. He recalled that Montenegro’s national strategies are fully aligned with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals. “It is up to us – the governments that hold power – to create a just and equal future for all women and girls. We owe this to our mothers and daughters – but, above all, we owe it to our societies as a whole,” stated Ibrahimović.
Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahimović participated in the high-level meeting on Palestine, where Montenegro once again reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts aimed at achieving a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
As part of his humanitarian engagement, the Minister signed the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, through which Montenegro reaffirmed its dedication to upholding international standards and safeguarding humanitarian workers – those essential to saving lives in crisis situations.
PARTNERSHIPS
The visit to New York provided an opportunity for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahimović to participate in two significant events dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation, transatlantic partnership, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
On the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, Ibrahimović attended the working breakfast of the US-Adriatic Charter (A5), organised by Bosnia and Herzegovina in its capacity as the current chair. On this occasion, the Minister highlighted the importance of intensifying political dialogue, building mutual trust, and fostering practical cooperation with the aim of further advancing the region’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He particularly emphasised that Montenegro’s membership in NATO represents a key pillar of national security and that the country “remains a reliable ally actively contributing to the strengthening of Euro-Atlantic stability.”
Ibrahimović underlined the importance of the strategic partnership with the United States, expressing his conviction that transatlantic cooperation and the United States’ commitment to the Western Balkans are essential for strengthening shared values and common interests.
Additionally, he took part in the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Western Balkans, hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Antonio Tajani, and attended by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. ,
In his address, Ibrahimović expressed gratitude for the continuous support of the EU enlargement policy, emphasising that it represents not only a technical process but also a strategic investment in the stability, resilience, and prosperity of the entire continent. He particularly stressed the importance of evaluating each candidate country’s progress based on its individual achievements, thereby ensuring the credibility of the process and maintaining citizens’ trust in European reforms.
“Montenegro remains firmly committed to the European agenda and stands ready to actively participate in all EU initiatives and policies relevant to the further prosperity of the Western Balkans,” stated Ibrahimović.
According to him, Montenegro’s ambition as a future member state is not only to benefit from EU membership, but also to make a meaningful contribution to the collective security and resilience of the European Union.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOLIDARITY
At the high-level event on missing persons in armed conflicts, Ibrahimović emphasised that the right of families to know the truth is “an inalienable human right and a prerequisite for reconciliation and lasting peace.” He reminded that in Montenegro there are still 50 unresolved cases of persons missing from the wars of the 1990s. He underlined that Montenegro will continue to strengthen its legislative and institutional framework in order to “ensure reparations and a dignified approach to the families of victims.” He placed special emphasis on regional cooperation and the exchange of information, as well as on the importance of multilateral mechanisms such as the Berlin Process and the Regional Database on Missing Persons, as key instruments in the reconciliation process. By participating in the Fifth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, Ibrahimović reaffirmed Montenegro’s consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He stressed that Montenegro’s solidarity with Ukraine is both active and principled, “expressed through humanitarian assistance, diplomatic engagement, and support for Ukraine’s resilience.”
BILATERAL COOPERATION
On the margins of the General Debate, Ibrahimović held numerous bilateral meetings, including with representatives of Liechtenstein, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, the Maldives, and UNDP. Together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Sabine Monauni, Ibrahimović signed the Agreement on the Elimination of Double Taxation, thereby creating the preconditions for new investments and stronger economic cooperation.
At his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, a Protocol on Cooperation and Consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs was signed, while with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Battsetseg Batmunkh, he signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, establishing institutional frameworks for intensifying contacts and opening avenues for strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties. At all meetings, discussions focused on modalities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on the economy, tourism, and culture. The participants also exchanged views on current geopolitical challenges and on joint activities within multilateral forums.
DIASPORA
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, together with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, met with representatives of the diaspora. Ibrahimović emphasised that the diaspora represents an inseparable part of Montenegro’s identity and development.
“The human, intellectual, and economic potential of our citizens is a bridge that connects Montenegro with the United States and the rest of the world. The diaspora is our key partner in achieving further social progress and a source of Montenegro’s strength abroad,” stated Ibrahimović.
As he emphasised, he is confident that the diaspora will continue, through united efforts, to support Montenegro’s European path and extended his gratitude for organising numerous humanitarian events, through which they selflessly demonstrate their willingness to assist the most vulnerable citizens of Montenegro.
“The diaspora can be a driving force of economic development through investment, mentorship, and expert support,” concluded Ibrahimović