(L-R) Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs; Jakov Milatović, President of Montenegro; Credit: MAE Luxembourg

On Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July 2026, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, paid a working visit to Montenegro.

As reported by Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Minister Bettel met with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović and Minister for European Affairs Maida Gorčević.

Following their meeting, Ministers Bettel and Ibrahimović held a joint press conference.

Minister Bettel welcomed the strengthening of bilateral relations between Luxembourg and Montenegro, highlighting the opening of a Montenegrin diplomatic office in Luxembourg earlier this month. He also noted that 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He further highlighted the close ties between Luxembourg and Montenegro, describing the Montenegrin community in Luxembourg as an example of successful integration that actively contributes to the country's diversity.

Ministers Bettel and Ibrahimović agreed to further develop economic relations between the two countries, particularly in the areas of digitalisation, the energy transition and tourism, including through closer cooperation between their respective chambers of commerce.

The two ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism and close cooperation within NATO, noted the authorities.

Regarding Montenegro's accession to the European Union (EU), Minister Bettel welcomed the significant progress made by the Montenegrin government in advancing its European integration. He said these developments demonstrate Montenegro's continued commitment to implementing the reforms required under the EU's merit-based accession process.