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Montenegro Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic underscored Türkiye’s strategic role in promoting global peace and stability, saying, “Türkiye today plays an extremely strong role across the world.”
Speaking to Turkish news agency Anadolu after attending the second Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Balkan Peace Platform in Istanbul on Friday, hosted by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Ibrahimovic shared his assessment of the talks.
He said many constructive and positive meetings were held during the gathering and expressed appreciation for the host.
“I would especially like to thank the host Minister Hakan Fidan. He spent the entire day with us and paid close attention to all of us,” Ibrahimovic said.
He added that all participating foreign ministers were highly satisfied and voiced confidence that the platform would produce positive outcomes aligned with peace, stability and shared interests.
Ibrahimovic said discussions addressed a wide range of issues, including security, youth, the economy and the European Union.
“I am extremely satisfied with today’s high-quality talks. We saw that we are on the right path and identified areas where we can cooperate in the period ahead,” he said.
He noted that cooperation projects under the Balkan Peace Platform would reach different segments of society and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
Highlighting Türkiye’s importance in ensuring peace and stability worldwide, Ibrahimovic said cooperation with Ankara strengthens regional efforts.
“We are aware that with the support of a major country like Türkiye, we can reach these goals more easily. We are extremely pleased that Türkiye is cooperating and working together with us,” he said.
“In our region, where peace and stability are of great importance, Türkiye’s role is highly significant. Not only regionally but also globally, especially in difficult geopolitical circumstances, the presence of a country like Türkiye in platforms such as the Balkan Peace Platform is very valuable.”
Ibrahimovic said Türkiye has made significant contributions to peace efforts in Gaza and Syria, adding, “Türkiye today plays an extremely strong role across the world.”
He also described Montenegro as “fortunate” to have strong relations both with its neighbors and with Türkiye.
“It is a great honor for us that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who consistently reiterates his support for the Western Balkan countries, also receives us,” he said. “From Istanbul, we are sending a strong message: the Western Balkans have a very strong friend like Türkiye. We are ready to further strengthen our cooperation in the coming period.”
Turning to bilateral relations, Ibrahimovic said, “Türkiye and Montenegro are a good example of how strong relations should be preserved. We must continue this.”
He said Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic will soon visit Türkiye, describing the trip as a sign of both countries’ willingness to further develop ties.
Noting that Montenegro and Türkiye are NATO allies, Ibrahimovic said they enjoy “excellent relations” in areas including the economy, tourism, culture and security.
He pointed to strong interest from Turkish tourists, saying 165,000 Turkish visitors traveled to Montenegro last year.
“It is an impressive figure. The interest shown by a country as rich in tourism as Türkiye makes us very pleased,” he said.
Ibrahimovic added that Montenegrins living in Türkiye serve as an “important bridge” between the two countries, noting that about 250,000 Montenegrins reside in Türkiye.
“This creates significant potential in economic and cultural fields,” he said. “We have strong relations with Türkiye built on solid foundations. No one can undermine this. I also invite Turkish citizens to Montenegro—come, visit us, our doors are open. Let us continue to write good stories between our two countries.”
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Ibrahimovic said Türkiye is Montenegro’s largest foreign investor, noting that 15% of foreign investment in 2025 originated from Türkiye.
Referring to institutions such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, known as TIKA, and the Yunus Emre Institute operating in Montenegro, he said these bodies carry out valuable work to promote mutual understanding between the two cultures.
“Türkiye is ready to provide every contribution to further develop relations between the two countries. I am extremely pleased and satisfied that both countries wish to continuously enhance cooperation,” he said.
Emphasizing Montenegro’s goal of becoming the EU’s 28th member in 2028, Ibrahimovic said the country’s accession would ease the path for other regional states.
“Once Montenegro becomes a full EU member, the accession process for other regional countries will become easier. Montenegro is a living example of Europe’s enlargement. That is why our goal is to contribute to regional stability,” he said.
He noted that Montenegro closed six chapters in its EU accession process last year and will complete the 32nd chapter on Jan. 26.
“We want to conclude negotiations this year,” Ibrahimovic said. “A Montenegro that is a member of both the EU and NATO will be important for peace and stability in the region.”
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