Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the energy sector.
The memorandum of cooperation was signed in Tokyo by Montenegrin Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa.
The signing took place during a bilateral meeting between ministerial delegations from Montenegro and Japan, held on the sidelines of the LNG Producer-Consumer Conference (LNGPCC). Alongside Šahmanović, the Montenegrin delegation included Zorana Sekulić, Director of the Directorate for Oil and Gas at the ministry.
A new institutional framework for strengthening energy ties
The memorandum establishes a new institutional framework aimed at strengthening energy partnership between the two nations, focusing on energy security, sustainable development, decarbonization, energy transition, and infrastructure development, the Montenegrin ministry said.
The document foresees enhanced cooperation between government bodies, research and financial institutions, and the private sectors of Montenegro and Japan, paving the way for concrete technological, institutional, and investment collaboration.
Cooperation will also extend to the power sector, covering high-efficiency generation technologies, and development of the electricity market and transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Cooperation extends to natural gas and LNG
The memorandum further encompasses cooperation in natural gas and LNG, the development of associated infrastructure and supply chains, as well as other energy fields mutually agreed upon by both parties.
By signing the agreement, Montenegro and Japan reaffirm their shared interest in deepening cooperation and advancing tangible projects that contribute to a more secure, reliable, and sustainable energy system, according to the ministry.
The memorandum is concluded for a five-year period, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement.
Of note, in September 2025, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro and Japanese company JERA signed a memorandum of cooperation in the development of projects for a LNG terminal and gas power plant.
Šahmanović also attended Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting
During his visit to Japan, Minister Admir Šahmanović also participated in the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting 2026. It brought together representatives of relevant organizations and countries, including Montenegro.
On the sidelines of the event, Slovenia’s electricity transmission system operator, ELES, and gas transmission network operator, Plinovodi, have signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese electrical engineering and software company Yokogawa Electric Corporation.
The memorandum establishes a strategic partnership for hydrogen projects in Slovenia.
