New Agreement on Diplomatic Training Between Malta and Montenegro

October 14 2024 07:29:18 by PCLMedia

Malta's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ian Borg hosted Montenegro's Foreign Affairs Minister Ervin Ibrahimović for official talks in Valletta, resulting in the signing of a memorandum of understanding on diplomatic training between the two countries.

This agreement marks a significant step forward in diplomatic collaboration, offering new opportunities for Maltese and Montenegrin diplomats to participate in joint training programs. The memorandum establishes a framework for the exchange of information, best practices, and experiences in the field of diplomacy. In addition to diplomatic training, the agreement also paves the way for broader collaborations in areas such as governance, international relations, and policy development.

The diplomatic ties between Malta and Montenegro date back to 2006 when both nations formally established bilateral relations. Over the years, the two countries have fostered a strong partnership, particularly in areas such as tourism, economic cooperation, and European integration.

During their meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Borg and Minister Ibrahimović emphasized the positive state of bilateral relations and explored new avenues for cooperation. Tourism, in particular, was highlighted as an area with immense potential for mutual growth. Both countries, with their rich cultural histories and strategic Mediterranean locations, see tourism as a key driver for economic collaboration.

A significant portion of the discussions also focused on Montenegro’s ongoing accession process to the European Union. Malta has consistently been a vocal supporter of EU enlargement, particularly regarding the Western Balkans, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Montenegro on its path toward EU membership. “Malta is open to exploring cooperation with Montenegro in the framework of support for the EU enlargement process,” Borg said during a press conference following the talks. Minister Ibrahimović, for his part, expressed gratitude for Malta's continuous backing, emphasizing that Montenegro's goal is to achieve EU membership by 2028.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the two diplomats to discuss pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both ministers reiterated the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving these conflicts, with Borg underscoring Malta's unwavering commitment to seeking peaceful solutions through international dialogue.

In addition to EU-related matters, the conversation extended to international diplomacy. Borg shared Malta’s experience as a current member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its upcoming role in the 2025 Presidency of the Council of Europe. Montenegro, in turn, is aiming to secure a seat on the UNSC for the 2026-2027 term and will follow Malta as President of the Council of Europe in 2026. This continuity in international leadership positions strengthens the connection between the two nations, offering further prospects for cooperation on global governance.

Minister Ibrahimović remarked on the shared values and mutual interests of Malta and Montenegro, noting that their similar geographic and cultural contexts provide "ample room" for deepening cooperation, especially in the economic and tourism sectors. "Our countries have many similarities, and we want to take advantage of that potential," he said, signaling Montenegro’s strong interest in bolstering political dialogue and enhancing trade and investment links with Malta.

As part of his official visit, Ibrahimović also paid a courtesy call to Malta’s Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia. The meeting focused on the strengthening of parliamentary ties and underscored Malta’s commitment to supporting Montenegro in its EU journey. Farrugia reiterated Malta’s broader commitment to supporting the integration of the Western Balkans into the European community, a process that both Malta and Montenegro see as critical for regional stability and prosperity.

This renewed diplomatic engagement reflects the growing bond between the two countries, which share a common vision for a stable, secure, and integrated Europe. The signing of the diplomatic training agreement and the discussions held during Minister Ibrahimović's visit illustrate the strong potential for future collaboration, particularly in areas that benefit both nations politically, economically, and diplomatically.