<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong></strong><strong>The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, received this Thursday the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro, Filip Ivanović, with whom he signed a collaboration agreement to help strengthen Montenegro's accession process to the European Union.</strong></h4> According to the Foreign Ministry in a press release, the signing of the agreement will allow for an intensification of the exchange of experiences and best practices between the administrations of both countries, as well as progress in identifying potential projects in which Spain can provide support and advice. "This initiative is part of the shared desire to deepen bilateral cooperation and, from a practical perspective, support Montenegro's efforts to align itself with the EU acquis and advance towards full European integration," he added. During the meeting, Albares positively assessed Montenegro's progress in its accession process, especially the sustained pace of reforms and its commitment to convergence towards European standards. “Spain is a firm supporter of Montenegro's accession to the European Union, a process that we trust will culminate with its entry in 2028,” stated the Spanish minister. He also reiterated his commitment to the stability and development of the Western Balkans and highlighted Montenegro's constructive role in this context. Both delegations also reviewed the state of relations between Spain and Montenegro and reaffirmed their willingness to maintain a fluid political dialogue. During the meeting, other topics of common interest were discussed, including the recent participation of a Montenegrin delegation, led by President Jakov Milatović, in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development held in Seville. Albares expressed his gratitude for this presence as a demonstration of Montenegro's commitment to multilateralism. Mention was also made of the upcoming commemoration, in 2026, of the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
