Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro has a historic opportunity to become the next EU member state, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimovic said, adding that this is a responsibility that goes beyond national borders because Montenegro’s successful European story can serve as incentive for the countries in the region.

Ibrahimovic said this at the Dubrovnik Forum, titled “The Age of Multipolarity: Many Directions, One Future”, where he participated at the invitation of the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman.

According to the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahimovic used both the panel discussion and at bilateral meetings to reaffirm the position of Montenegro as a leader in European integration and a partner in strengthening regional stability.

He said that joint action and focus on the European agenda represent the only sustainable way to overcome contemporary challenges and ensure the European future of the Western Balkans.

“Today, Montenegro has a historic opportunity to become the next EU member. We believe that this is a responsibility that goes beyond national borders and that a successful European story of Montenegro can serve as a positive example and an incentive for the countries of the region, confirming that reforms, dialogue and good-neighborly relations bring concrete results”, emphasized Ibrahimovic.

He added that the formation of a special ad hoc Working Group for drafting the Accession Treaty clearly confirms that Montenegro has entered the final stage of its EU negotiations process.