(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUN 26 - Gender equality in foreign policy, the role of regional cooperation, and the fight against gender-based violence and femicide were the topics discussed at a conference organised by Montenegro's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Central European Initiative (CEI) and the United Nations Development Programme. Diplomatic representatives from CEI countries, members of Montenegro's diplomatic corps, and officials from international organisations attended the event in Podgorica. Ervin Ibrahimović, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and Ekaterina Paniklova, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, opened the proceedings. CEI Deputy Secretary General Ivana Pejović emphasised the organization's commitment to empowering women through training, sharing best practices, mentoring, professional development, and network building. She also emphasised that the CEI Cooperation Fund, which supported the event, serves as an important catalyst for the exchange of knowledge and experiences. (ANSA).