By preserving a civic and European Montenegro, we are preserving its essence, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović at a ceremony marking the Day of Montenegrin Diplomacy.
As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahimović said that foreign policy is the area in which Montenegro, over the past two decades, has most clearly confirmed its statesmanship maturity and unwavering consistency.
Ibrahimović emphasized that this year's celebration of Diplomacy Day has special significance because it is being held on the eve of a great anniversary - 20 years since the restoration of Montenegro's independence.
He recalled that Diplomacy Day was established in 2024, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Princely Office for Foreign Affairs, which laid the foundations of modern Montenegrin diplomacy.
"Montenegrin diplomacy was not created in 2006. It was created much earlier - in difficult and historically crucial times of the struggle for international recognition, preservation of state dignity and the right of Montenegro to independently decide on its own destiny," said Ibrahimović.
As he recalled, from Gavro Vuković to modern generations of diplomats, the same idea has persisted: that Montenegro, regardless of its size, pursues a policy based on freedom, dignity, dialogue and equality among peoples.
Ibrahimović assessed that foreign policy is the area in which Montenegro, over the past two decades, has most clearly confirmed its statesmanship maturity and unwavering consistency.
"The success of diplomacy and the ability of a country to exceed expectations are a direct result of the work of employees in the foreign service," Ibrahimović said.
As he emphasized, their dedication, professionalism and unwavering faith in the European and Euro-Atlantic path are the foundations on which Montenegro's international reputation rests today.
Ibrahimović recalled the key moments that paved the way for the restoration of independence, and particularly pointed out the symbolism of the first recognition of independence that came from Iceland - a country that, a decade later, was the first to ratify the NATO Accession Protocol.
"Obtaining the IBAR and the start of the work of the Working Group for the Accession Treaty represent a clear confirmation that Montenegro's European future is achievable and realistic, while NATO membership in 2017 permanently defined membership in the community of democratic states that share the same values, responsibility and vision of a safe and stable Europe," said Ibrahimović.
He also pointed to today's visit by Secretary General Mark Rutte, describing it as another recognition of the credibility and reputation that Montenegro enjoys within the NATO Alliance.
"I believe that whoever gives up on this kind of Montenegro - civic, anti-fascist and European - gives up on the very essence of Montenegro. That is why today we best preserve our country by preserving its civic character, inter-ethnic harmony, anti-fascist values, democracy and the rule of law," said Ibrahimović.
According to him, Montenegro, founded on these values, can build a society based on human dignity and a secure European future.
Ibrahimović also expressed his gratitude to the numerous diaspora, which, as he stated, has for decades represented an important bridge of friendship and connection between Montenegro and the world, paying tribute to deceased colleagues who have permanently woven their work into the country's international affirmation.
"Montenegro continues to stand with its head held high where it historically and in terms of values belongs - in the community of European democracies," Ibrahimović concluded.
As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the reception was attended by representatives of the executive and legislative branches, former presidents of the Parliament and Government, and ministers of foreign affairs, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
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