DPM Bečić receives Ambassador of Türkiye Barış Kalkavan for a farewell visit

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić received today the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Montenegro, H.E. Barış Kalkavan, for a farewell visit. In a cordial conversation, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić thanked the Ambassador for his exceptional contribution to high-quality cooperation across many fields between the two friendly countries during his mandate in Montenegro.

Farewell visits always carry a dose of emotion, and in your case it is particularly strong, Bečić said. Your time as Ambassador was marked by dedicated work, a wise and constructive approach to resolving problems and challenges, deepening cooperation, and strengthening trust between our countries. In many areas you have left a deep and recognizable mark, and your mandate in Montenegro will long be remembered, he added.

Bečić recalled the Award for Contribution to Peace and National and Religious Tolerance, which he received in Istanbul in 2021, noting that it represents a special highlight of his professional engagement.

I will continue to fight against all forms of generalization. Generalization always leads to primitiveness. For competent institutions, it is irrelevant what someone’s name is or what background they come from. Among all national and religious communities in our country – and among both domestic and foreign nationals – you will find people who are loyal and responsible members of society, as well as those inclined toward lawlessness and criminal acts. That is why only respect for the law and the values that form the foundation of our society truly matters. A person is a person, and a criminal is a criminal. That is the principle on which I entered politics and on which I will always remain steadfast. That is the only division I recognize. Challenges always exist in life, but where there are friends and goodwill, the paths of solutions, understanding, and stability become the direction and the choice, Bečić emphasized.

Ambassador Kalkavan expressed his gratitude for the consistent and high-quality cooperation.

Mr. Bečić, I thank you for the tremendous energy and commitment you have invested in advancing relations between Montenegro and Türkiye. Your contribution, in the areas you oversee as Deputy Prime Minister, has been of great importance during my time in your country, Ambassador Kalkavan stated.

He also pointed to the importance of combating disinformation and media sensationalism, emphasizing that an institutional response is the best way to prevent manipulation and unnecessary tensions.

In the past three years, Turkish investments in Montenegro have reached 300 million euros, which is significantly higher compared to all other Western Balkan countries, Kalkavan highlighted.