Montenegro Opens its First Diplomatic Mission in Luxembourg
The opening of the Embassy of Montenegro in Luxembourg marks a step forward in political, economic and institutional ties between the two countries — and a reaffirmation of Luxembourg’s support for Montenegro’s European integration and of the two allies’ work together within NATO
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, formally opened the Office of the Embassy of Montenegro to the Kingdom of Belgium, with its seat in Luxembourg. The ceremony underscored a shared commitment to deepening the friendship and partnership between the two countries.
In his address, Ibrahimović called the opening of the mission an important step in developing bilateral relations and a new platform for intensifying political dialogue, strengthening economic cooperation and bringing the institutions and citizens of Montenegro and Luxembourg closer together. The ceremony, he said, carried symbolic weight, coming in the year that marks twenty years of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Luxembourg and two decades since Montenegro regained its independence. Over those twenty years, he added, the two countries have built relations based on mutual trust, respect and close partnership – a firm foundation on which to build further.
Ibrahimović thanked Luxembourg for its sustained and strong support for Montenegro’s European integration, describing it as a partner that consistently backs an enlargement policy based on individual merit and recognises Montenegro’s reform progress.
“It is encouraging that in Luxembourg we have a reliable partner who believes in Montenegro’s European future,” Ibrahimović said, adding that Montenegro remains fully committed to implementing reforms and to achieving its central foreign policy objective: full membership of the European Union.
On the scope for future cooperation, he said there was considerable room to improve economic relations, particularly in energy, tourism and financial services, and to strengthen ties in culture and education. He also emphasised the importance of the two NATO allies acting together amid complex geopolitical challenges to preserve peace and security and to keep multilateral cooperation effective. He singled out the contribution the Montenegrin diaspora in Luxembourg has made to relations between the two countries, describing Montenegrins abroad as a bridge of friendship, trust and mutual understanding between Montenegro and Luxembourg.
The new mission, he said, will be at the disposal of Montenegrin citizens, providing consular and administrative support and strengthening their ties with their home country.
In his address, Bettel said he was pleased that Montenegro was the first Western Balkan country to open a diplomatic mission in Luxembourg, which he said demonstrated the value both sides place on strong bilateral relations. He went on to express full support for Montenegro’s European integration, saying he was convinced that, as the most advanced candidate country, Montenegro is also the Union’s next member.
Members of the diplomatic corps attended the opening, along with representatives of the institutions of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and of political, business and cultural life, members of the diaspora and friends of Montenegro.