The diaspora plays a significant role in strengthening ties between countries such as Montenegro and Turkey, said the president of the Bosniak Democratic Movement (BDP), Sead Šahman.
He made this statement during his stay in Turkey, at the invitation of the president of the Association of Montenegrin emigrants in that country, Adil Özuzun.
As stated in the statement, during his visit to the municipalities of Burhaniye, Ayvalik and Edremit, Shahman met with hundreds of emigrants and their descendants who inhabited this part of Turkey on several occasions – after the First Balkan War, then in 1924, and during the XNUMXs and XNUMXs.
"Our emigrants play a significant role in strengthening ties between modern countries such as Montenegro and Turkey today. It was not easy for the first generations that came from Pljevlja, Kolašin, Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, Rožaje, but they built their families here, started successful businesses and established themselves in politics, science, culture and sports. Their descendants today represent a bridge of cooperation between our two countries," he emphasized.
He highlighted the similarities between the Balikesir region and the Montenegrin coast – olive growing, developed tourism and the coexistence of different cultures – which represents significant potential for future cooperation and additional connections.
"Montenegro and Turkey have excellent relations as friendly countries and allies in NATO, and Montenegro also aspires to membership in the European Union. Our diaspora in Turkey can be a strong driver of economic and cultural cooperation, and further strengthen existing ties," he added.
Šahman concluded that Montenegro and its institutions need to be more engaged with emigrants who want a stronger connection to the homeland of their ancestors.
"During his stay in Turkey, Shahman spoke with officials from this region, namely Cumali Atila, the governor of the Burhaniya district, and Mesut Ergin, the mayor of Ayvalik - who hails from Pljevlja, with the surname Bošković," the statement said.
They also added that he met with the Mayor of Edremit Mehmet Ertaş, as well as with the first man of Burhanija, Ali Kemal Deveciler, reminding that Burhanija already has a cooperation agreement with the sister municipality of Bijelo Polje.
"The President of the GDP spoke about the tourism and economic potential of Montenegro, investment opportunities and development opportunities of our country at a session organized by the Ayvalik Chamber of Commerce," the statement concluded.
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