LJUBLJANA, 28 January 2026 – A ceremonial event was held today at the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1], marking the appointment of two new Vice-Chairmen of the Institute’s Advisory Board: Dr. Dritan Abazović, former Prime Minister of Montenegro and President of the URA Civic Movement, and Vladimir Norov, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and former Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
On this occasion, IFIMES Director Dr. Zijad Bećirović underlined that the Institute’s international credibility and reputation have been built over many years through the engagement of distinguished members of the Advisory Board, renowned scholars, diplomats, and former high-ranking state officials from all parts of the world. “In a period of profound geopolitical shifts and global uncertainty, IFIMES bears a special responsibility to provide serious analysis, foster dialogue, and serve as a platform connecting different regions and perspectives. This is precisely why the current moment is ideal for further strengthening of our Advisory Board. Dr. Dritan Abazović and Vladimir Norov, with their extensive experience, integrity, and international authority, represent a significant reinforcement for IFIMES and its mission,” Dr. Bećirović emphasized.
The newly appointed Vice-Chairman of the Advisory Board, Dr. Dritan Abazović, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and highlighted the growing importance of knowledge-based, independent analytical institutions in today’s world.
“I recognize IFIMES as one of the rare platforms that consistently bridges academia, politics, and practice, while promoting dialogue as a foundation for stability and peace. The role of think tanks is more important today than ever, particularly in regions marked by crises and complex transitions. I am honored to join this team and to contribute to strengthening regional and global cooperation, the rule of law, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans,” said Abazović.
Vladimir Norov addressed the audience via video message, emphasizing the global relevance of IFIMES’ work. “The world is undergoing deep and systemic changes that require strategic thinking, multilateral approaches, and mutual understanding between regions. I see IFIMES as an important bridge linking Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia. I am pleased to accept the position of Vice-Chairman of the Advisory Board and to contribute to the promotion of dialogue, security, and sustainable development across the broader Eurasian space,” Norov stated.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Bakhatyar Aljaf, Director of IFIMES, thanked the guests, partners, and associates of the Institute. “The strength of IFIMES lies in its people, expertise, and the international network we have been building for years. I am confident that Dr. Dritan Abazović and Vladimir Norov will make a substantial contribution to the further development of the Institute. Our shared objective remains the construction of a more just, secure, and interconnected world, grounded in dialogue, understanding, and cooperation,” Aljaf emphasized.
Ljubljana, 28 January 2026
[1] IFIMES - International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC/UN in New York since 2018, and it is the publisher of the international scientific journal "European Perspectives." Available at: https://www.europeanperspectives.org/en
