On October 18, 2026, local time, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks in Podgorica with Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović.
Wang Yi stated that China and Montenegro are good friends despite the geographical distance. China was among the first countries to recognize Montenegro's independence and establish diplomatic relations with it, demonstrating China's respect for Montenegro and the importance it attaches to bilateral ties. Over the past 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development, benefiting the two peoples and setting an example of win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, national conditions and social systems. Both China and Montenegro share a history of resisting fascist aggression and a national spirit of resilience and defiance in the face of brute force. China is helping to restore the Đurđevića Tara Bridge featured in the former Yugoslav film The Bridge (Most), and believes that this bridge will also become a bridge for heart-to-heart communication between the two peoples. China is ready to take the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to review and summarize successful experience with Montenegro, elevate the positioning of bilateral relations on this basis, and open up a new and even more brilliant 20 years for bilateral ties.
Wang Yi stated that China supports Montenegro's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports the development and revitalization path chosen by the Montenegrin people, and supports Montenegro in playing a positive role in international affairs. China has both the will and the capability to help Montenegro develop, and is ready to be a reliable, long-term partner of Montenegro. China appreciates Montenegro's adherence to the one-China policy and believes that the two countries will continue to support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. This has consolidated the political foundation for bilateral relations and created important conditions for deepening cooperation between the two sides. China encourages Chinese enterprises to actively participate in Montenegro's infrastructure development and is ready to work with Montenegro to expand cooperation in fields such as tourism, energy, and green transition.
Wang Yi stated that China understands Montenegro's efforts to join the EU and hopes that Montenegro will become another new friend of China within the EU in the future. China-EU relations have spanned for more than half a century, and the essence of their cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The current differences in the economic and trade field are issues arising in the course of cooperation. As long as both sides continue dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual understanding, and mutual accommodation, these differences will be properly handled as bilateral relations continue to deepen. The China-CEEC cooperation mechanism was established in response to the development needs of regional countries. China has no geopolitical considerations in this regard and does not interfere in the internal affairs of regional countries, and it looks forward to a mutually beneficial prospect. China welcomes Montenegro, as the lead country of the environmental protection cooperation coordination mechanism, playing its due role in mechanism building. All countries in the Balkan region are good friends of China and maintain good cooperative relations with China. It is hoped that regional countries will live in harmony, build mutual trust, and achieve common development.
Ibrahimović stated that Montenegro and China enjoy a long-standing friendship. Despite the vast geographical distance between the two countries, the two peoples harbor friendly sentiments toward each other, and the Đurđevića Tara Bridge symbolizes the shared historical memory of the two peoples. This year marks not only the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's independence but also the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and China. China recognized Montenegro immediately after Montenegro gained independence, demonstrating that the development of bilateral relations has a solid foundation. Montenegro welcomes the first-ever visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Montenegro. People from various sectors in Montenegro have visited China many times, sending a positive signal for exchanges and cooperation with China. Montenegro unequivocally adheres to the one-China principle, and no official from any institution in Montenegro will have contacts with Taiwan.
Ibrahimović stated that Montenegro-China relations currently enjoy a sound momentum of development and have been translated into fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation. Chinese enterprises have participated in and played an important role in key projects such as Montenegro's North-South Highway (Bar-Boljare Highway). Montenegro welcomes Chinese enterprises to continue supporting its infrastructure development and to explore ways to advance major projects involving power stations, railways, airports, and ports. Montenegro is ready to work with China to expand cooperation in fields such as tourism, film, education, and scientific research, carry forward the traditional friendship, and open up a broad future. Montenegro appreciates China's important role in promoting world peace and development, and is ready to continue strengthening coordination with China in multilateral and international affairs.
