# Montenegro international parliamentary cooperation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-international-parliamentary-cooperation > Updated: 2026-10-08T22:02:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3. Montenegro has engaged in new initiatives to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and democratic ties with international partners. In early October 2026, the Parliament of Montenegro collaborated with the British Embassy and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to host a presentation on the history and development of the United Kingdom’s Parliament. Officials noted that while the two systems operate under different constitutional circumstances, they share a “fundamental commitment to parliamentary democracy and citizen representation.” Following this, Montenegro launched its first parliamentary exchange program with the United States. Opened by Parliament President Andrija Mandić, the program aims to foster closer cooperation between the Parliament of Montenegro and the U.S. Congress through dialogue and the exchange of legislative knowledge. During the inaugural exchange, which included a reception hosted by U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Michael Kiz, officials met to discuss security, defense, economic development, and regional connectivity. Speaker Mandić emphasized the importance of this cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and corruption, specifically highlighting the need to defend the state against drug clans and the infiltration of criminal networks. On October 8, 2026, these strategic ties were further reinforced during a visit from U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin. President Jakov Milatović met with the Senators to discuss regional security in the Western Balkans and Montenegro’s EU membership path. During the visit, Milatović awarded Senator Shaheen the Order of the Montenegrin Flag of the First Degree. Discussions centered on the Democracy and Prosperity Act for the Western Balkans, aimed at combating corruption and foreign influence, as well as intergovernmental agreements regarding infrastructure, energy, and technology projects. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Montenegro and US strengthen strategic ties during Senate visit Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović met with US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin to strengthen strategic ties, discuss Western Balkans security, and advance Montenegro’s EU and NATO-aligned goals. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-and-us-congress-initiate-first-parliamentary-exchange ### 2026-10-06: Montenegro and U.S. launch first parliamentary exchange program Montenegrin Parliament President Andrija Mandić launched the first Montenegro–U.S. Parliamentary Exchange Program to strengthen legislative and political ties between the two nations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-and-us-launch-first-parliamentary-exchange-program ### 2026-10-02: Montenegro and UK parliaments promote democratic cooperation The Parliament of Montenegro and the UK held a joint presentation on parliamentary history and democracy to strengthen institutional cooperation and democratic values. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-and-uk-parliaments-promote-democratic-cooperation --- Cite as: Montenegro international parliamentary cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-international-parliamentary-cooperation