During bilateral meetings with officials from the State Department and USAID, Minister Admir Šahmanović emphasized the strategic importance of support that Montenegro expects from American partners in key sectors such as mining, natural gas and the implementation of green hydrogen technologies.
Šahmanović, along with Zorana Sekulić, acting General Director for Oil and Gas, also met with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and various investors. The minister highlighted that these sectors are vital for the long-term development of Montenegro’s economy and its transition to sustainable energy systems, reducing dependence on fossil fuels in transportation and industry.
Šahmanović described the three-day visit of the Montenegrin delegation to Washington as one of the most productive and noted that the signing of agreements with the U.S. government elevates Montenegro-U.S. cooperation to a higher level.
“It is a great honor to be part of the delegation that signed the Memorandum of Economic Cooperation with the United States, especially since the agreement institutionalizes the cooperation between our two countries. This sends a strong and clear message that Montenegro is ready for infrastructure projects and aims to develop in that direction,” said Šahmanović.
He particularly noted the warmth shown by senior officials from the State Department and their readiness to provide support across various fields.
“We opened discussions on many projects in the areas of mining, oil, and gas—projects that could open up global markets and significantly increase our geopolitical importance both regionally and in the Balkans, thereby contributing to economic and political integration into the European Union and strengthening our energy stability,” Šahmanović emphasized.
The minister stressed that support in these sectors is essential for accelerating Montenegro’s transition to clean energy.
“Utilizing green hydrogen technologies, one of the key innovations, will not only help reduce harmful gas emissions but will also create new jobs and attract foreign investments, significantly enhancing the country’s economic stability and sustainability,” he stated.
Cooperation with American companies opens up a wide range of new opportunities for Montenegro. These initiatives are expected to yield long-term benefits, facilitating better connections with international markets and strengthening regional competitiveness.
“Montenegro faces the challenge of transitioning to more sustainable energy systems, and support from our American partners plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. This visit aims to solidify partnerships and open new investment opportunities that will boost our economy and position Montenegro as a regional leader in sustainable technology usage,” the minister concluded.
The visit to Washington further affirmed Montenegro’s commitment to achieving global climate goals and its long-term sustainable development plan. It is anticipated that the agreements reached during this dialogue will significantly accelerate investment flows into Montenegro, creating a foundation for further development and enhancement of the domestic industry while strengthening the country’s position in both regional and international contexts.
