Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Montenegro are diverse, and are supported by a number of bilateral agreements in areas of mutual interest. Switzerland attaches great importance to stability in south-eastern Europe and appreciates the positive role played by Montenegro in this regard.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Montenegro
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Montenegro are good, with regular contacts between the two countries' ministries of foreign affairs. Various agreements – covering economic matters, migration and air transport – govern relations, which also take into account the presence of a community of Montenegrins in Switzerland and an ever growing number of Swiss tourists visiting Montenegro.
Montenegro opened an embassy in Bern in 2015. The Swiss embassy in Belgrade is also accredited to Montenegro. A Swiss consulate general inaugurated in Podgorica in March 2011 handles consular affairs and assists Swiss companies interested in investing in Montenegro.
Economic cooperation
Switzerland and Montenegro have concluded a number of bilateral economic agreements: on trade and cooperation, double taxation, and the protection and promotion of investments.
Trade relations between the two countries are modest, although Switzerland is one of Montenegro's main investors. The coast of Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Swiss tourists.
Cooperation in education and training
Researchers and artists from Montenegro can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Swiss citizens in Montenegro
According to statistics on the Swiss Abroad, 97 Swiss nationals were living in Montenegro at the end of 2018.
History of bilateral relations
Formerly a part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, Montenegro proclaimed its independence on 4 June 2006 and was immediately recognised by the international community. Switzerland established diplomatic relations with Montenegro on 30 June of the same year. Diplomatic and consular representation comes under the responsibility of the Swiss embassy in Belgrade (Republic of Serbia).
The SDC's activities in Montenegro concentrated on humanitarian aid from 1991. Since the country’s declaration of independence in 2006 the SDC's cooperation programme has focused on Serbia.
Montenegro, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
