CAIRO — President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović agreed to deepen political and economic cooperation during the first presidential-level visit between the two countries since diplomatic relations were established in 2006, marking a new phase in bilateral relations centred on trade, investment and regional coordination.
The visit’s principal outcome was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Egypt’s Alexandria Port Authority and Montenegro’s Port of Bar to strengthen maritime cooperation, port management, digitalisation and technical exchange, while laying the groundwork for a potential direct shipping link between the two countries. The proposed corridor is expected to enhance logistics connectivity and facilitate trade between Egypt, the Western Balkans and wider European markets.
Beyond the maritime agreement, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation across tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, investment, civil aviation and higher education. President Milatović praised Egyptian investments in Montenegro’s tourism sector and expressed his country’s interest in attracting additional Egyptian investment while benefiting from Egypt’s expertise in infrastructure and energy development. He also proposed closer civil aviation cooperation to facilitate tourism, trade and business travel, alongside university exchange programmes between Egyptian and Montenegrin institutions.
Meeting separately with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, President Milatović reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation. Madbouly said the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Investment had been tasked with overseeing implementation of the summit’s outcomes and preparing a clear timetable to translate agreed initiatives into concrete projects, underscoring both governments’ intention to move rapidly from political commitments to practical cooperation.
The leaders also welcomed stronger institutional ties through the Montenegro–Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Group and plans to intensify bilateral political consultations. Montenegro further announced its intention to establish a resident embassy in Cairo, a move expected to support growing diplomatic, commercial and investment relations.
Regional developments featured prominently in the discussions. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts, called for continued efforts to de-escalate tensions, encouraged a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran, reiterated Egypt’s support for the sovereignty of Gulf Cooperation Council states, and renewed his call for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue while rejecting any displacement of Palestinians and stressing the need to accelerate humanitarian assistance and Gaza’s reconstruction.
President Milatović praised Egypt’s role in promoting peace and regional stability and reaffirmed Montenegro’s support for diplomacy and the two-state solution. Both leaders agreed to strengthen coordination on regional and international issues and accepted invitations for continued high-level exchanges, with President Milatović inviting President El-Sisi to pay an official visit to Montenegro.
During his visit, President Milatović also toured the Grand Egyptian Museum, where he praised its architecture, exhibition design and archaeological collections, describing the landmark institution as an exceptional showcase of Egypt’s ancient civilisation and a powerful symbol of the country’s cultural heritage.
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