Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić met with Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, where they discussed deepening bilateral relations and strengthening economic cooperation. Spajić emphasized that the coming years will be pivotal for Montenegro’s development, particularly through a major push in infrastructure and reforms aimed at boosting the national economy and raising citizens’ living standards.
The two leaders announced that Montenegro and Japan will lift visa requirements starting this fall, a significant move to foster closer ties. The agreement comes amid growing interest in Montenegro, particularly ahead of the EXPO 2025 in Osaka, where the country is expected to receive considerable international attention.
During the meeting, Spajić presented investment opportunities in Montenegro across several sectors, including energy, green technologies, infrastructure, tourism, ecology, and high-tech industries. The discussion marked the beginning of a new phase in Montenegro-Japan relations, with both sides agreeing to intensify collaboration across key development areas.
One of the major diplomatic steps discussed was the opening of a Montenegrin embassy in Tokyo. Both parties agreed to expedite efforts so that concrete progress can be made by the end of the year. Strengthening cooperation in education, science, innovation, and disaster risk reduction was also identified as a priority.
Security issues were addressed as well, with particular focus on Japan’s cooperation with NATO. Both Montenegro and Japan reiterated their strong support for Ukraine and expressed hope that, with help from U.S. and European allies, a temporary ceasefire and eventual peace could be achieved.
Ishiba praised Spajić’s leadership and vision for Montenegro’s future, noting that this was the first time a high-level conversation with a Montenegrin official was held in Japanese. He expressed admiration for Spajić’s insight and reaffirmed Japan’s role as a committed partner in Montenegro’s development journey.
