President Erdoğan spoke at a joint press conference with Montenegrin President Milatovic
Holding a joint press conference with President Milatović of Montenegro, President Erdoğan said: “I would like to emphasize once again that we as Türkiye attach great importance to supporting peace, prosperity and stability in the Balkans, which is a religious and ethnic mosaic. I see Montenegro, with its rich cultural and ethnic texture, as an exemplary country in terms of culture of tolerance and coexistence in the Balkans.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with President Jakov Milatović of Montenegro at the Presidential Complex.
Stating that 2024 marks the 145th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Montenegro, President Erdoğan said that Türkiye has a comprehensive cooperation with Montenegro with solid political, economic and cultural foundations in proportion to our common history.
“WE AGREED TO ESTABLISH A HIGH LEVEL STRATEGIC COUNCIL”
Stating that the first visit of President Milatović to Türkiye today symbolizes the exceptional level of bilateral relations, President Erdoğan said: “During our meeting, we discussed our bilateral relations comprehensively and evaluated the steps we will take in the period ahead. We agreed to establish a High Level Strategic Council in order to provide an institutional framework for our relations. We also exchanged views on regional and international issues and reaffirmed the importance we attach to stability in the Balkans. I would like to emphasize once again that we as Türkiye attach great importance to supporting peace, prosperity and stability in the Balkans, which is a religious and ethnic mosaic. I see Montenegro, with its rich cultural and ethnic texture, as an exemplary country in terms of culture of tolerance and coexistence in the Balkans.”
“WE ARE VERY CLOSE TO REACHING OUR BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME TARGET OF $250 MILLION”
“During my visit to Montenegro in 2021, we set a target to increase our bilateral trade volume to $250 million. Despite the COVID pandemic, the war in Ukraine and global economic problems, we are very close to reaching this target. We agreed with Mr. President to raise this target even higher. We are one of the countries investing the most in Montenegro. In the field of contracting, our companies have successfully completed 62 projects worth approximately $500 million in Montenegro. Our companies maintain their interest especially in infrastructure, construction and service sectors. As a result of this interest, there was a record increase in our direct investments in Montenegro in 2023 and 2024. In the upcoming period, we will host the 6th Joint Economic Commission meeting. On behalf of my nation, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my dear friend President Milatovic for his support to our business people,” President Erdoğan said.
Underscoring that social and cultural relations between Türkiye and Montenegro are developing rapidly as well as economic relations, President Erdoğan said: “In addition to our 25 thousand citizens residing in Montenegro, we have more than 150 thousand citizens of Montenegrin origin in our country. Our airline sector, led by Turkish Airlines, connects Montenegro to the whole world with its many flights. Surely, these flights make a significant contribution to the touristic relations between us.”
“TİKA HAS CARRIED OUT MORE THAN 500 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES IN MONTENEGRO”
Highlighting the importance of the TİKA's projects in the fields of restoration, education and health as well as Yunus Emre Institute's culture and arts activities in the relations between the two countries, President Erdoğan said: “TİKA has carried out more than 500 projects and activities in Montenegro, totaling more than $30 million. Our Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center has provided Turkish education to more than 2,500 students since its establishment. Likewise, within the scope of Türkiye Scholarships, more than 500 Montenegrin students continued their education in our country.”
“WE ARE CLOSELY MONITORING THE DEVELOPMENTS IN SYRIA”
Emphasizing that Türkiye attaches great importance to the preservation of peace, tranquility and stability in its wider region from north to south, President Erdoğan said: “In the Russia-Ukraine War, which affects both us and Montenegro, we have been saying from the beginning that a fair peace must be established. We have maintained the same principled stance with regard to the Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. We have also openly declared our support for the ceasefire in Lebanon. We hope and desire that a ceasefire in Gaza will be established as soon as possible. As Türkiye, we are ready to do our part to extinguish the fire in our region today as we did yesterday. We are closely monitoring the developments that have suddenly broke out in neighboring Syria in the last few days. Both our Foreign Minister and the Head of the National Intelligence Organization are in constant contact with their counterparts and are holding consultations. In fact, we have been, for a long time, drawing attention to the possibility that the spiral of violence in the Middle East could also affect Syria. Recent events have confirmed that Türkiye was right. In the Syrian conflict, our country's stance, concerns, fundamental priorities and the parameters of our policy are clear. It is our greatest wish that Syria's territorial integrity and national unity are preserved, and that the instability that has been going on for 13 years ends with a consensus in line with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people. Within the scope of our country's national security priorities, we are monitoring and analyzing the process on the ground moment by moment and taking all necessary measures to prevent any different acts that may harm these priorities.”
In answer to a question with regard to efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, President Erdoğan said: “We have not seen Israel keep its promises so far in Gaza. As for whether it will keep its promises or not in the period ahead, we have not seen a sincere approach in this regard so far. I do not think we will see it in the future either. Because how are we supposed to believe in this process, where more than 50 thousand people have been killed? Considering the people recently killed in Lebanon, what are we supposed to believe? Therefore, if they promise a ceasefire, let's see it. Let these steps be actually taken and we will believe it.”
