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On 28 August 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže, met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro, Filip Ivanović, who has arrived in Latvia for a working visit.
The officials discussed the bilateral relations between the countries and the ways to strengthen economic cooperation, as well as deepen cooperation in science and new technologies. The parties welcomed the direct seasonal flights currently connecting Riga and Tivata, which promotes tourism and closer people-to-people contacts, thereby expanding cooperation opportunities between the two countries. The Minister invited young Montenegrin professionals to further benefit from participation in the Intensive Programme on the legal, political and economic functioning of the EU offered by the Riga Graduate School of Law.
Both sides strongly appreciated their cooperation within NATO. The Foreign Minister thanked Montenegro for its contribution to strengthening the security of the Baltic Sea region. The presence of Montenegrin soldiers in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Ādaži strengthens deterrence and defence capabilities on the Alliance’s eastern flank. Baiba Braže accentuated Latvia’s long-standing involvement in the NATO-led peacekeeping operation in Kosovo (KFOR), which contributes to the security and stability of the Western Balkans.
The Foreign Minister emphasised Latvia’s support for the integration of Montenegro into the EU:
“We welcome Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership. I urge you to move decisively forward and continue pursuing reforms. Latvia is ready to further provide its expertise and share its experience of integration into the EU.”
“Montenegro’s progress towards the EU is also evidenced by its alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular, joining the sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as support given to Ukraine. I call for an increased pressure on Russia by continuing to impose new national sanctions,” Baiba Braže underlined.
Filip Ivanović thanked Latvia for its support for the European integration of Montenegro and confirmed that the country’s main foreign policy priority is accession to the EU. He underscored that the national policy of Montenegro is aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, and public support for EU membership is very high.
Together with Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, Filip Ivanović laid flowers at the Freedom Monument and visited the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Filip Ivanović had a conversation with the Deputy Chair of the Saeima European Affairs Commission, Uģis Rotbergs, and travelled to Ādaži, where he met with Montenegrin soldiers. During his working visit, the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro is also to meet with representatives from Latvia’s IT and technology sector, and visit the Science and Innovation Centre at Riga Technical University.