Strengthening international cooperation is crucial in the fight against political terrorism

Strengthening international cooperation is crucial in the fight against political terrorism, said Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović.

As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP), Ibrahimović, during the second day of his stay in Washington, participated in the ministerial meeting "Reviving Political Terrorism" held at the invitation of the United States Secretary of State (US) Marco Rubio.

It is stated that Ibrahimović participated in one of the ministerial panels dedicated to contemporary security challenges.

He pointed out that political terrorism today is taking on new and more complex forms, through connections with transnational extremist networks, illicit financing, radicalization via the internet, foreign information manipulation, as well as hybrid and cyber activities.

Ibrahimović emphasized that, despite changes in methods of operation, the goals of political terrorism remain the same – undermining democratic institutions, spreading fear, deepening social divisions, and eroding citizens' trust.

He pointed out that the response to these threats requires a comprehensive approach based on strengthening democratic institutions, the resilience of societies, respect for human rights, and stronger international coordination.

"He particularly emphasized that Montenegro, as a NATO ally, sees its contribution to collective security through strengthening institutional resilience, improving intelligence cooperation, protecting critical infrastructure, and joint action to combat extremist networks and terrorist financing," the statement said.

Speaking about the regional context, Ibrahimović warned that political, religious and ethnic divisions, as well as unresolved issues in the Western Balkans, continue to represent a space that ill-intentioned actors use to destabilize societies, slow down European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and undermine democratic processes.

He recalled that Montenegro is in the final phase of negotiations with the European Union (EU), with a clear goal of completing the negotiation process by the end of this year and becoming a full member by the end of 2028.

"Ibrahimović emphasized that attempts by foreign malign actors to weaken institutions, cause instability and reduce citizens' trust in Montenegro's European future through disinformation, hybrid activities and instrumentalization of media narratives are intensifying," the statement said.

He said that terrorism thrives where institutions are weak, societies are divided, and international cooperation is insufficient.

As Ibrahimović emphasized, the international community's response must be based on unity, resilience, and consistent commitment to shared democratic values.

"He confirmed Montenegro's readiness, together with the United States and partners who share the same values, to continue to contribute to strengthening international cooperation in order to preserve peace, security and stability," the statement said.

During his stay in Washington, Ibrahimović also met with the Heritage Foundation's senior associate Max Primorac and his colleagues, with whom he discussed the current political situation in Montenegro and the region, as well as the security and geopolitical challenges facing Europe.

"The interlocutors exchanged opinions on the European perspective of the Western Balkans, confirming Montenegro's progress in the process of closing negotiation chapters, with the aim of becoming a full member of the EU by the end of 2028," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.