By Seda Sevencan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic on Friday lauded Türkiye’s role in the Balkans, a region it has historical and cultural ties with.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Istanbul alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Ibrahimovic noted that Ankara and Podgorica are NATO allies.
"This year, we celebrated the 145th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Türkiye in Montenegro. These relations will continue not only for these 145 years but also into the future. We share a common culture and heritage, which compels us to be much closer and pushes us to develop better relations."
Ibrahimovic highlighted the significant contributions that cooperation within the NATO framework, and overall relations between the two countries, make to stability and peace.
He also noted the economic and commercial potential between the two countries, stressing the presence of large Turkish companies in Montenegro.
"We have potential in every field, whether it be maritime or mining," Ibrahimovic said, adding that the Turkish state aid body, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has carried out more than 400,000 projects in Montenegro.
He also highlighted that over 100,000 people of Montenegrin origin live in Türkiye. "This is a great opportunity and will create a very strong bridge between us. We should always strengthen these bridges between our friendly countries."
- 145th anniversary of diplomatic ties
Asked about cooperation plans for the 145th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Ibrahimovic said: "It is a great honor for us to celebrate the 145th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Montenegro. My first official visit to Türkiye is one of the best messages that Montenegro wants to advance these relations."
“We want to develop our cooperation not only in the economic and commercial fields but at every level and in every area."
He expressed a desire to develop friendly relations that benefit both countries.
"On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to Türkiye for its constructive role. Türkiye is a symbol of stability and peace for us, and this role is very important to us.
"If there is no stability and peace in a country and a region, it is not possible to attract investments there. Thus, to make Montenegro an attractive country, to attract investments and develop cooperation, we will always continue to strengthen our relations."
He also stressed that relations between the two countries are wide-ranging.
"Relations between our two countries should serve as a role model for other countries in the region. I’d like to say here that we have a great potential, especially in the fields of economy, trade, infrastructure, and health."