“Montenegro significantly contributes to peace and stability”

 

Holding a joint press conference with President Đukanović of Montenegro, President Erdoğan said: “We attach special importance to the protection of stability in Southeast Europe, and to the economic development of the region. Montenegro, which is an important part of the Balkans and Europe, significantly contributes to peace and stability.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Milo Đukanović of Montenegro held a joint press conference following their bilateral talks at Vahdettin Mansion.

“TÜRKİYE-MONTENEGRO RELATIONS ARE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL”

Highlighting the long-standing friendship between Türkiye and Montenegro, President Erdoğan said: “King Nicholas I of Montenegro paid two visits to Istanbul at the invitation of Sultan Abdulhamid II. Montenegro opened its first embassy in Istanbul during the Ottoman period. Our Bosnian and Albanian relative communities, and our over 150 thousand citizens of Montenegrin origin in Türkiye constitute an exceptional bridge of love between our two countries.”

Underlining that the relations between Türkiye and Montenegro, which share a common history and culture as well as strong social and family ties, are at the highest level, President Erdoğan said: “During my visit to Montenegro last year, we had set a goal to increase our bilateral trade volume to $250 million. In the first 11 months of 2022, there has been a 49 percent increase YoY. Even with today’s picture, we have broken our record by reaching $182 million.”

Noting that the Turkish investments in Montenegro has exceeded $67 million, President Erdoğan said: “The Turkish firms have major projects especially in the sectors of infrastructure, construction, tourism and service. I am sure that our private sector will continue to maintain their successful enterprises in Montenegro as has been the case in the entire Balkans.”

“WE ATTACH SPECIAL IMPORTANCE TO THE PROTECTION OF STABILITY IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE”

“Our Yunus Emre Institute is bringing the Turkish arts and culture to our Montenegrin friends’ homes while the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) continues its activities in the spheres of education and healthcare,” President Erdoğan said. “The TIKA has carried out over 400 projects and activities with a total value of over €20 million so far. Our Yunus Emre Institute has provided Turkish education to nearly 2 thousand students since its establishment. The number of Montenegrin students, who benefited from our Türkiye Scholarships, offered by our state, has reached 501 in the past 25 years. We will continue to support Montenegro in the upcoming year through all our relevant institutions and organizations.”

Noting that he and President Đukanović exchanged views regarding regional and international matters, the Balkans in particular, President Erdoğan said: “We attach special importance to the protection of stability in Southeast Europe, and to the economic development of the region. Montenegro, which is an important part of the Balkans and Europe, significantly contributes to peace and stability.”

Praising Montenegro’s steps towards integration into the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic institutions, President Erdoğan said: “We sincerely encourage and support the full EU membership of Montenegro, our NATO ally. With these thoughts, I once again thank Mr. President and his delegation for their visit, and hope our talks will lead to auspicious results. On behalf of my nation and myself, I extend my greetings to the Montenegrin people. I hope the new year will bring peace and serenity to our two countries, our region and the entire world.