WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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The President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, said that the very long diplomatic ties and strong friendship between Montenegro and Turkey oblige us to continue to improve mutual relations and alliance with even greater dedication.
Today's visit to Istanbul is a confirmation of such determination and the openness of the political dialogue at the presidential level - said Đukanović on Twitter, after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
I think that the relations between the two countries are based on a long tradition and have developed into friendship, and today we are also talking about alliance. We should look for a space to add a new image to the mosaic. We are dedicated to the identification of areas for the improvement of economic cooperation. There are 3,800 companies from Turkey working in Montenegro, which is indicative data. It's not about geographical proximity, but friendship and trust. Obviously, people from Turkey feel safe in Montenegro - said Đukanović.
As he pointed out, they talked about cooperation and further development of energy, healthcare and culture.
Đukanović recalled that in June he met with a large delegation of Turkish businessmen, where they expressed interest in investments.
I believe that there is potential that needs to be valorized through the free trade agreement, by forming a commission for cooperation. In addition to the economy, we also discussed education and scholarships for Montenegrin students - noted Đukanović.
As he added, we can be satisfied with the bilateral status and said that he believes that today's open talks will be an impetus for further cooperation and the achievement of common goals.
The President of Montenegro emphasized that they also discussed broader issues of regional and global importance.
The Ukrainian topic was unavoidable, as was the topic of security risk for Europe. It was emphasized that respect is necessary for overcoming the crisis and for all the problems and challenges of the Western Balkans.
They agree, Đukanović said, that the Western Balkans needs reliability and stability.
He stated that Montenegro is an example of success and that it has achieved a lot on the way to the EU, which is why it has earned the attention of international partners.
We are going through the delicate experience of crisis, but as we know, nothing flows in a straight line. Montenegro is stable to follow its vision and has the capacity to provide an encouraging example. We are aware that there is a chaotic situation in the Western Balkans and as long as it is like that there will be no prosperity or security - said Đukanović.
President of Turkey Erdogan pointed out that the friendship between the two countries is centuries old, and reminded that Montenegro opened an embassy back in the Ottoman period.
Our kinship communities of Bosniaks with more than 150,000 in Turkey are a spiritual bridge between countries - strong human and kinship ties. The relations between Montenegro and Turkey are at the highest level - Erdogan said.
He added that they discussed improving bilateral relations. He noted that during the visit of the Turkish delegation to Montenegro last year, trade increased by 49 percent in the first 11 months.
Total Turkish investments exceeded 179 million euros. The number of companies is 3,800 in Montenegro. Turkish companies are implementing important projects in the service and construction sectors, and I believe that successful initiatives will be continued, Erdogan said.
He also mentioned the importance of the "Tika" organization, which has implemented over 400 projects and invested more than 20 million euros. In the field of education, scholarships were provided for 501 students in the last year, and they will continue with these activities.
As he said, they had the opportunity to exchange opinions on the events in the Balkans.
Montenegro makes an important contribution to peace and stability in the Western Balkans. We appreciate and encourage Montenegro to become a member of the EU after all the activities - said Erdogan.
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