Shahman: The time of unpleasant events that resulted in the introduction of visas for Turkish citizens is over.

Representatives of the Bosniak Democratic Movement (BDP), President Sead Šahman and official of that political organization Everin Čekić, attended a gathering on May 22nd that was organized on the occasion of May 21st - the jubilee - 20 years since the restoration of Montenegro's independence.

The event was held in the Turkish city of Izmir, and the organizer of the gathering was the Association of Montenegrin Emigrants in Turkey.

Addressing hundreds of emigrants and their descendants, Šahman said that they are the guardians of relations and a strong bond between Montenegro and Turkey.

In his presentation, he also recalled the recent establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on July 3, 2006, which have since then developed towards mutual cooperation in all areas of social life based on respect and friendship.

"Today's celebration is an opportunity to remind you that this year we are also marking 147 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Turkey, as well as the existence of the first diplomatic missions of Montenegro in Istanbul and Turkey in Cetinje, which was also a symbol of friendship and the vision shared by Sultan Abdul Hamid II and King Nikola," said Šahman.

He emphasized that Bosniaks as a people gave a selfless contribution and plebiscite support in the 2006 referendum for the restoration of Montenegro's independence, embedding the Bosniak identity in the foundations of a modern, civic, multiethnic, multireligious and European Montenegro.

"Montenegro and Turkey cooperate intensively in many areas, both countries are members of NATO. Montenegro has another important goal - and that is to become the first member of the European Union by 2028," added Šahman.

He reminded that more and more Turkish companies are finding interest in Montenegro for their businesses and as such are further strengthening economic ties between the two countries, as well as that in terms of the number of investments and the number of tourists coming to Montenegro, Turkey has been in first place for years.

Šahman expressed hope that the time of the unpleasant events that took place a few months ago on the streets of Podgorica and other cities in Montenegro, which resulted in the introduction of visas for Turkish citizens, is over.

"Such a decision has particularly affected our emigrants, people who want to live and do business properly in the country of their fathers and grandfathers, thus contributing to the strengthening of economic ties between the two countries. The events of the end of last year should not be allowed to disrupt the good relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Turkey," concluded Šahman.

On the second day of their visit, Šahman and Čekić visited Alaçatı and Çešme, which are predominantly populated by our emigrants, and whose descendants today make up the majority of the population in these areas, which are today one of the most attractive tourist destinations - not only on the Aegean coast, but in all of Turkey.