On December 20, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Montenegro's Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović held meetings in both limited and expanded formats. During the meetings, the ministers discussed the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan–Montenegro relations, covering political dialogue, economic cooperation, humanitarian ties, and participation in international forums.

They emphasized the need to expand trade, encourage investment, strengthen business contacts, and advance joint projects. The effective work of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was also highlighted. Bayramov and Ibrahimović reviewed collaboration within the UN, OSCE, and other multilateral structures, reaffirming their commitment to a partnership grounded in mutual trust.

Regional matters were addressed, with Bayramov briefing his counterpart on the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in consular matters was signed by the foreign ministries of both countries, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation and improve services for citizens. Azerbaijani companies have invested up to $1 billion in Montenegro, Bayramov stated at a joint press conference with Ibrahimović.

He noted that trade levels remain unsatisfactory, while discussions also covered tourism cooperation and the potential for direct flights between Baku and Podgorica. Bayramov added that Azerbaijan and Montenegro have significant potential in the transport and logistics sector and exchanged views on ongoing projects. "There is also great potential in the humanitarian sphere. Education, culture, and sports are the main areas of focus. Students from Montenegro have participated in our student exchange programs. We also discussed academic and student exchanges between universities," he emphasized.

Montenegro is interested in establishing regular air services with Azerbaijan, Ibrahimović said. "We agreed with my esteemed colleague that in the future it is worth considering not only seasonal but also year-round flights to better serve the interests of both countries," he added. Ibrahimović also spoke about Montenegro's EU ambitions, stating that the country aims to become the 28th full member by 2028. "We have ambitious plans for the next 40 years within the European process, and by 2028 we plan to achieve the status of the 28th full European country. We believe that all Western Balkan countries should integrate into the European space, as this ensures peace and stability. Our ambition and optimism are supported by recent results: over the past five to six days, we have made significant progress in key areas," he said.

He noted that European institutions have recognized Montenegro's reforms, standards, and achievements. The ministers also discussed NATO cooperation. Bayramov highlighted that Montenegro is a NATO member and briefed Ibrahimović on the August 8 Washington Agreement and the post-conflict developments in the South Caucasus. "We provided full information on reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories. We also discussed the fact that 50,000 people live there and outlined planned work in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur in the coming years," he stated.

Azerbaijan and Montenegro have established productive cooperation across multiple sectors, with 22 bilateral agreements signed to date, Bayramov said. He emphasized that relations are based on friendship and long-standing collaboration, calling the visit of Montenegro's foreign minister "important and timely". He added that economic cooperation remains a priority, highlighting the Joint Intergovernmental Commission's effectiveness and the recently signed memorandum on consular matters.

Montenegro welcomed the agreements reached at the August 8 Washington summit, Ibrahimović stated, noting that the peace process between Baku and Yerevan was also discussed. "We welcome the agreements reached, whose implementation is moving in a positive direction. We hope Azerbaijan will continue to demonstrate peace, stability, and prosperity not only in the region but also globally. We are also interested in further deepening of cooperation," he said. Ibrahimović also emphasized Montenegro's interest in attracting new Azerbaijani investments while ensuring Montenegrin investment flows into Azerbaijan.

"It is important to ensure investments from Montenegro in Azerbaijan. At the same time, we hope that investments from Azerbaijan will increase in the near future, particularly through the implementation of new projects," he added. Finally, Ibrahimović noted Montenegro's strategic geographic location and energy potential.

"Azerbaijan is seeking to become a leader in the transportation of energy resources, while Montenegro has the potential to emerge as an energy hub linking the Balkans with Europe. Our advantageous location for the transit of energy supplies to Europe promotes increased interest in cooperation with Azerbaijan and opens opportunities for a range of joint projects. We also have significant potential in renewable energy, with more than 200 sunny days a year and substantial hydropower resources. I believe we can find opportunities for cooperation within the framework of the Ionian–Adriatic Pipeline, which would be of strategic importance from Azerbaijan to western Europe," he stated.