Turkey is one of the most important economic and strategic partners of Montenegro, with great potential for development, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Milatović, who is on an official visit to Turkey, was welcomed with the highest state and military honors at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, where he spoke with Erdogan, after which an official dinner was organized in his honor.
Milatović, as announced by his cabinet, said that the economic relations between Montenegro and Turkey are progressing more and more every year.
"The inflow of direct investments from Turkey, which will reach almost 100 million euros annually, and the dynamic trade exchange, which exceeds 200 million, testify to the mutual interest in intensifying economic cooperation," stated Milatović.
He reminded that the Turkish Chamber of Commerce has been active in Montenegro since last year, which is important considering that around ten thousand small and medium-sized companies owned by Turkish citizens are registered in Montenegro.
According to Milatović, the number of Turkish tourists visiting Montenegro is growing year by year, which is contributed by the increase in the number of direct flights and the improvement of the quality of the Montenegrin tourist offer.
He pointed out that Turkey is one of the most important economic and strategic partners of Montenegro, with great development potential.
"From this point of view, I want to encourage greater investments in the north of our country, where we have huge potential that we want to valorize. We also discussed concrete ways to strengthen cooperation in healthcare, transport and education, and in this regard, I hope that next year sign the Strategic Partnership Agreement and initiate a joint Council session," said Milatović.
He said that the numerous Montenegrin emigrant community in Turkey is a very important link between the two countries.
Milatović thanked Turkey for the support of the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA) in the implementation of more than 500 development projects in Montenegro.
He stated that this year, Montenegro and Turkey are celebrating the 145th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which, he said, speaks of the continuity of friendly interstate ties and mutual respect.
Milatović pointed out that today Turkey is an important NATO ally and partner of Montenegro.
"We highly appreciate its constructive role in the Balkans and its contribution to the stability and prosperity of the entire region. Substantive cooperation in the field of defense and military industry will be further strengthened by the opening of the office of the Turkish defense envoy in Montenegro," said Milatović.
He pointed out that Montenegro's foreign policy priority is to join the European Union (EU) and that he believes that by 2028 it will become the 28th member state.
"I am convinced that both before and after the achievement of that goal, Montenegro and Turkey will continue to build relations based on mutual respect, trust, togetherness, contributing to peace, stability and development not only of our countries, but also of the entire region," said Milatović.
He invited Erdogan for an official visit to Montenegro.
"It will be a great pleasure for me to host you in our country, perhaps as early as next year, as a proven friend of Montenegro," concluded Milatović.
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