The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Filip Ivanović, announced at the State Department that American investments in energy, as well as in all other areas, are very welcome in Montenegro.
He met with high representatives of the U.S. administration, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the United States in reforms and enhancing democratic capacities in Montenegro.
He discussed possibilities to enhance collaboration in the field of energy with Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Jeffrey Pyatt, with a particular emphasis on projects related to renewable energy sources.”
Ivanović discussed investment potentials and progress made in securing alternative energy sources. Pyatt applauded Montenegro’s commitment to building energy independence, emphasizing that the U.S. will continue to support such policies and express interest in promoting project ideas and intensifying bilateral contacts in this field.
He also noted the importance of Europe successfully reducing its energy dependence on Russia in the previous period. In a conversation with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Amy Holman, mutual interest in strengthening economic cooperation was highlighted.
The participants assessed that the initiation of an economic dialogue between the two countries is an expression of the readiness of both the U.S. and Montenegro to dedicate special attention to economic cooperation and the utilization of investment potentials. This consideration takes into account the pronounced interest of American companies in investing and initiating new businesses in Montenegro.
Following the established dialogue and formed working bodies, Ivanović and Holman discussed the further plan of activities and the organization of the second meeting. They emphasized that the goal is not only to strengthen economic partnership with Montenegro but also to stimulate the country’s further development through projects, thereby advancing towards European Union accession.
Ivanović also met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Nikol Čalik. He presented the foreign policy priorities of our country, with a special emphasis on the imminent integration into the EU.
‘We are fully committed to implementing reforms from the EU agenda; it is an absolute priority of the government and the entire society,’ said Ivanović.
He emphasized Montenegro’s intention to achieve greater visibility on the multilateral stage, primarily through strengthening activities within the United Nations. Along these lines, he informed the interlocutor about Montenegro’s candidacy for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2026-2027.
The meeting also addressed the improvement of media freedom and electoral system reforms in line with ODIHR recommendations, which will be a priority for the government in the upcoming period.
Ivanović expressed gratitude for the continuous support of the United States in the reform processes in our country, particularly in strengthening the fight against corruption. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the collaboration and progress Montenegro has made in preventing human trafficking.
As part of his working visit to the U.S., Ivanović also attended the National Prayer Breakfast, traditionally held every first Thursday in February. In addition to meetings with U.S. officials, during his stay in Washington, he had separate encounters with representatives of think tanks and the academic community.
