On October 17, 2026, local time, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović met in Cetinje with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Jakov Milatović asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and welcomed the first-ever visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Montenegro. Jakov Milatović stated that this year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and China and that the visit holds important symbolic significance. Recalling his experience studying in China, Jakov Milatović  said he had gained a deeper understanding of China’s economic and social development and the lives of its people, as well as the importance of cooperation with China. European Union (EU) accession is currently a priority on Montenegro’s foreign policy agenda, but the country also attaches great importance to relations with China, with Montenegro firmly adhering to the one-China principle and remaining committed to friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Over the past two decades, Montenegro-China relations have made significant progress across various fields, with infrastructure, economic and trade, and tourism emerging as three key areas. Earlier this year, Montenegrin Prime Minister and Chinese Premier reached important consensus on further deepening cooperation during their meeting in China. Montenegro looks forward to maintaining political dialogue and deepening practical cooperation with China based on mutual respect, so as to bring greater benefits to the two peoples.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to Jakov Milatović, saying that despite the geographical distance, China and Montenegro have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, setting an example of friendly exchanges between countries of different sizes. China appreciates the President’s rational and objective understanding of China and his active efforts to promote bilateral relations. China has consistently maintained that all countries, big or small, are equal, and has always followed the path of partnership over alliance and dialogue over confrontation. China appreciates Montenegro’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, respects the path and governance model chosen by the Montenegrin people, and stands ready to be a reliable and trustworthy partner of Montenegro. China has engaged in practical cooperation with Montenegro in good faith, delivering tangible results. Montenegro’s north-south expressway is a landmark project of historic significance, and both sides should ensure the high-quality completion of its second phase. Montenegro enjoys unique tourism resources and has a historical tradition of anti-fascism. China is helping restore the Tara River Bridge, which was featured in the famous Yugoslav film “The Bridge,” and more Chinese tourists are expected to visit Montenegro. The two sides should take the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year as an opportunity to review successful cooperation, jointly discuss ways to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level, explore new areas of cooperation, and build an even brighter next 20 years.

Wang Yi stated that China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners and their relations have remained generally sound and stable. China has always maintained that China and the EU are partners, not rivals. Differences over economic and trade issues, which have emerged amid increasingly closer cooperation, can be resolved through dialogue and should not affect the overall development of China-EU relations. China understands Montenegro’s efforts to join the EU and its choice to pursue European integration, and the process is fully compatible with deeper cooperation with China. China believes Montenegro will become another good friend of China within the EU after its accession, and hopes Montenegro will play a unique and important role in promoting regional peace and stability and advancing China-EU relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, including the Ukraine crisis. Before the meeting, the two sides jointly visited a photo exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of China-Montenegro diplomatic relations.

During his visit, Wang Yi also met with Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić and held talks with Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović. Upon Wang Yi’s arrival in Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović went to his hotel to welcome him.