Ibrahimović at celebration of Republic of Turkiye Day: Turkiye is sincere friend, reliable partner and important ally of Montenegro

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović addressed the formal reception marking the Republic of Turkiye Day, sponspored by the Embassy of Turkiye in Podgorica.

Congratulating Turkiye on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic, Minister Ibrahimović highlighted the country’s importance on the regional and international stage, stressing that Montenegro regards Turkiye as a sincere friend, reliable partner and important ally.

“Montenegro sincerely values its friendship with Turkiye and remains committed to its further development. Our countries are connected by history and a shared heritage, but what particularly gives us reason for optimism is the future we can build together,” Ibrahimović stated.

Speaking about bilateral relations, he recalled their deep historical roots, noting that diplomatic relations between the Principality of Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire date back to 1878. He emphasised that their shared historical and cultural heritage, reflected in architecture, traditions, language and everyday life, represents an important part of Montenegro’s multicultural identity and a solid foundation for contemporary relations between the two countries.

He particularly highlighted the role of people of Montenegrin origin living in Turkiye, who have preserved their ties with the land of their ancestors over generations while also contributing to the development of the Turkish society. As he noted, it is precisely the people, their family ties and mutual closeness that give lasting value to the friendship between the two countries.

Reflecting on contemporary relations, Ibrahimović noted that the friendship between Montenegro and Turkiye continues to develop through intensive political dialogue, mutual trust and increasingly substantive cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, tourism, education and culture. He voiced confidence that the existing partnership would continue to advance through concrete projects and initiatives benefiting the citizens of both countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister particularly highlighted Turkiye’s constructive role in the Western Balkans and its contribution to regional dialogue, peace and stability, stressing that their NATO alliance further strengthens bilateral relations and their shared responsibility for the security of the region and the wider Euro-Atlantic area.

In that regard, he reiterated that Montenegro remains firmly committed to its strategic goal of joining the European Union, expressing gratitude to Turkiye for its support for Montenegro’s European aspirations.

DPM Ibrahimović expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Montenegro Aydа Unlu, for her hospitality and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He also extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of Turkiye on their national holiday, wishing them continued progress, peace and prosperity.

“May our friendship grow even stronger, our meetings become even more frequent, and our ties grow even closer,” DPM Ibrahimović concluded.