Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro’s chairmanship of the Western Balkans Fund (WBF) will be characterized with responsibility, ambition and clearly defined priorities with a focus on achieving concrete results, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimovic said.

Opening the event organized on the occasion of Montenegro’s 2026 WBF chairmanship, Ibrahimovic said that since 2006 Montenegro has established itself as a credible actor in the region and has consistently demonstrated its commitment to encouraging political dialogue, fostering good neighborly relations and promoting prosperity of the region.

“We actively promote these principles through membership in numerous regional initiatives and mechanisms. This year, in which we celebrate the anniversary of the restoration of our independence, symbolizes maturity, responsibility and confirmation of international trust”, said Ibrahimovic.

According to Ibrahimovic, Montenegro is on the threshold of the EU, consolidating its position as a leader in the accession process.

He added that this is reflected in the responsibilities that the state is assuming this year, such as presiding over the Berlin Process and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, as well as hosting the EU – Western Balkans Summit.

“In this regard, assuming the WBF chairmanship represents both an honor and a responsibility. The fund is a unique regional initiative, because it is truly ours – it belongs to the region, but above all to its people”, emphasized Ibrahimovic.

Executive Director of WBF Gjergj Murra said that the world today is not the same as the one in which the Fund was founded as a brilliant vision “from the region for the region”.

The WBF, he emphasized, exists precisely to build lasting trust, support long-term changes and keep the region connected.

“And we will do that with clearly defined priorities for the future, guided by Montenegro’s presidency”, said Murra.

He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Montenegro, the Fund will further strengthen its strategic role and deepen its contribution to regional cooperation and the European perspective of the region.