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Türkiye’s Ambassador to Montenegro Baris Kalkavan on Wednesday urged authorities to swiftly clarify a knife attack in Podgorica allegedly involving Turkish nationals and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning against attempts to turn an “isolated petty offence” into anti-Turkish provocation.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye and Republic Day on Oct. 29, Kalkavan addressed reports of a stabbing “involving Turkish citizens” in the Montenegrin capital.
Kalkavan noted that Türkiye and Montenegro have more than 146 years of diplomatic relations and said ties between the two nations rest on “strong foundations” built over generations. He stressed that Montenegro’s peace and prosperity are essential for stability in the broader Balkans.
He cautioned the public against allowing the incident to fuel xenophobia or hate-driven narratives.
“I do not underestimate the stabbing incident at all. We expect the incident to be urgently and fully clarified and the perpetrators to be brought before justice as soon as possible,” he said. “It is saddening that an isolated petty offence has turned into a provocation where Turks are targeted," he stated.
Addressing Montenegrin youth, Kalkavan urged restraint. “Do not fall into the trap of a few provocateurs,” he said.
“The Republic of Türkiye will take all necessary legal and political steps regarding all the incidents and consequences experienced during this process, but I am sure that over time your own conscience will also judge this," Turkish envoy added.
Kalkavan said most Montenegrins have shown solidarity with Türkiye following recent events, adding that the deep “multifaceted” bond between the two peoples is strong enough to withstand efforts by “certain circles” to stir tensions.
Expressing hope that Turkish citizens in Montenegro feel safe, he said authorities on both sides are working closely. “Both Turkish and Montenegrin authorities are making great efforts,” he said.
“Our cooperation will continue to increase, especially for the elimination of Türkiye-origin criminal organizations and criminals in Montenegro," he added.
Kalkavan also noted that Türkiye is the top foreign investor in Montenegro as of 2025.
Montenegrin media reported allegations that Turkish citizens were involved in the stabbing, after which Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced on X that visa-free travel for Turkish citizens was temporarily suspended.
Speaking to a Turkish media outlet, Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic later said authorities would work to ease visa procedures for Turkish nationals. “No external influence or malicious attempt can damage the excellent friendship between the two countries and the two peoples,” he said.
Ibrahimovic accused “malicious individuals and certain political circles in the region” of spreading false information suggesting “hundreds of thousands” of Turkish citizens were in Montenegro. He said only about 13,500 of more than 100,000 foreign residents in the country are Turkish citizens “and they are welcomed here.”
Montenegro temporarily suspended its visa-free travel regime with Türkiye on Monday after violence in Podgorica that led to the detention of dozens of Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals. Police said they arrested one Turk and one Azerbaijani after a fight in which a local man was stabbed late Saturday.
More than 40 nationals of both countries were detained, eight were ordered deported and seven were fined. Local media reported police blocked a crowd chanting anti-Turkish slogans from approaching a detention facility in a Podgorica suburb, while property belonging to a Turkish citizen was damaged as anti-Turkish protests continued.
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Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said Monday it is closely monitoring “unfortunate developments” affecting Turkish nationals in Montenegro and immediately contacted authorities in Podgorica as events unfolded.
“Contact was established with the Montenegrin authorities right after the events started, and necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of our citizens,” the ministry said. “Developments are being closely followed in all dimensions, and contact and coordination with the Montenegrin authorities are ongoing without interruption.”
According to ministry sources, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held calls with Prime Minister Spajic and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ibrahimovic. Fidan conveyed Türkiye’s expectations for “necessary measures to be taken to ensure the safety and protection of the rights of Turkish citizens.” Montenegrin leaders offered assurances in response, the sources said.
Shortly after media reports of the stabbing emerged, Spajic announced Montenegro had “temporarily suspended visa-free travel” for Turkish nationals.
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