Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro is committed to the stability of the region and to speeding up the EU integration of the entire Western Balkans, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimovic.

At the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, he participated in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey, one of the most prestigious international conferences organized under the auspices of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP) announced that this year’s Forum is of particular importance, as it is being held in a complex and challenging geopolitical context, marked by growing tensions, with the aim of contributing to a more stable and secure future.

“On the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, the third consecutive meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform was held, at which Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of a stable and safe Western Balkans, as well as the important role of Turkey, which contributes to the peace and prosperity of the region through partnership and membership in NATO”, the press release said.

The MFA said that Ibrahimovic spoke on a panel dedicated to building peace in the Balkans through dialogue, economic cooperation and improved regional connectivity, which are key to the region’s long-term stability.

According to the Ministry’s press release that department, the Antalya Diplomatic Forum provided an opportunity for numerous bilateral meetings.

“During these meetings, Ibrahimovic reiterated Montenegro’s primary foreign policy goal, which is to close the negotiation chapters by the end of this year, enabling Montenegro to become a full EU member by 2028”, the press release said.