Ivanović, Marsella: Montenegro and Italy continue to strengthen strategic partnership

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met today with the Italian Ambassador to Montenegro, Andreina Marsella. Both parties expressed mutual satisfaction with the dynamic political and economic relations between Montenegro and Italy, characterized by ongoing high-level political dialogue.

During the meeting, the recent visit of Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, to Montenegro was discussed. Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining positive momentum in implementing key initiatives of shared interest between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed his gratitude for Italy's unequivocal support for Montenegro, both in achieving its foreign policy objectives and in areas of economic and investment development. He particularly highlighted Italy's role in supporting Montenegro's EU enlargement process, as well as the assistance provided on its path toward EU membership. Ivanović stressed that the Balkans remain a region of strategic interest for the European Union, particularly for Italy, and that EU accession would contribute to the stabilization and prosperity of the entire region.

He also underscored the importance of Italy's support in the areas of internal affairs and justice, noting that activities are underway to intensify cooperation with Italy's Financial Police.

Ambassador Marsella reaffirmed Italy's full support for Montenegro's European integration, stressing the importance of Western Balkan stability for the stability of all of Europe. According to her, this goal can best be achieved through the European integration of the region.

The meeting also reviewed the successful cooperation between Montenegro and Italy in education, science, and the submarine electricity transmission cable project, with both parties acknowledging the significant potential for further improvement in these areas. The continued implementation of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between the two countries was highlighted as a priority in bilateral relations.

Both parties also expressed interest in organising a business forum in the near future, which would provide an excellent opportunity for further strengthening ties between the business communities of Montenegro and Italy.