UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu visits Montenegro

Reinforcing commitment to reforms, EU accession and sustainable development

October 8, 2025

Photograph of a large diverse group posing outdoors in a courtyard. — UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and UNDP Montenegro team

UNDP Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UNDP Acting Administrator, Haoliang Xu, conducted a one-day visit to Montenegro on October 8, 2025, reaffirming UNDP’s strong partnership with the country in advancing European integration, governance reforms, and sustainable development.

During his visit, a.a. of UNDP Xu met with H.E. President Jakov Milatović to discuss strengthening institutional capacities, modernization of public administration, and the implementation of inclusive reforms in line with the 2030 Agenda and EU priorities. The meeting also highlighted cooperation on green transition, poverty reduction, and Montenegro’s active role in multilateral forums.

Five formally dressed individuals pose in a red-walled room with gold-framed paintings. — UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Caroline Tissot, and President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović

UNDP Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

Mr. Xu also held a meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, where he highlighted the long-standing partnership between UNDP and Montenegro, which has supported EU integration, modernization of public administration, green transition, digitalization, and inclusive governance. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation on reforms and sustainable development to benefit all citizens.

UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić

UNDP Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

At the Ministry of Finance, discussions with Minister Novica Vuković focused on the modernization of public finance management, reforms aligned with EU integration, and projects that contribute to inclusive growth and long-term development.

UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and Minister of Finance Novica Vuković

UNDP Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

In his meeting with Governor of the Central Bank, Irena Radović, Mr. Xu underlined UNDP’s partnership in advancing digital transformation, strengthening financial resilience, and supporting the development of a green financial ecosystem.

Photograph of a man in a suit and a woman in a blazer standing before blue and red flags. — UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and Governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro Irena Radović

UNDP Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Xu met with State Secretary Periša Kastratović, where they recognized over two decades of cooperation in building Montenegro’s diplomatic capacities, including initiatives such as the Summer School for Young Diplomats and the Network of Women Diplomats.

Two men in suits shake hands in front of tall wooden bookshelves. — UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and State Secretary Periša Kastratović

UNDP Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

Mr. Xu also joined representatives of the diplomatic community in Montenegro, including ambassadors of the EU, Germany, UK, Slovenia, Croatia, and China, as well as the heads of OSCE and the Council of Europe. Discussions reaffirmed the importance of strong multilateral cooperation in supporting Montenegro’s reforms and EU path.

Photo: Professionals pose around a long dining table in a bright garden room; a small dog nearby. — UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova with representatives of the diplomatic community

UNDP Montenegro/Duško Miljanić

The Acting Administrator also met with UNDP Montenegro staff, thanking them for their nearly two decades of dedicated work in advancing the country’s sustainable development agenda. The meeting marked UNDP’s 60th anniversary and included recognition of long-serving colleagues for their contributions.

Photograph of a diverse group of professionals posing in front of the UN emblem and flags.

The visit concluded with an interview for RTCG’s Globus programme, where Mr. Xu reflected on his discussions with national leaders and partners, UNDP’s evolving role in pre-accession countries, and broader global development challenges.