Ünlü to Bečić: Your contribution to strengthening relations between our two countries is recognized and appreciated

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Montenegro, H.E. Ayda Ünlü, on her first official visit. The meeting was held in a spirit of reaffirming strong friendship, mutual trust, and a clear commitment to further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Bečić emphasized that relations between Montenegro and Türkiye have gained new momentum since the first democratic change of government in Montenegro, recalling the historic visits of senior Turkish officials in 2021, during his tenure as Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro.

At that time, I had a very substantive meeting in Podgorica with the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Erdoğan, and shortly thereafter hosted the long-serving Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and my friend Mustafa Şentop. That same year in Istanbul, I solemnly received an award for peace, national and religious tolerance. It is important to understand that mandates and positions are temporary, but the friendship built and the results stemming from it leave a lasting mark on cooperation between our states, Bečić stated.

He also expressed pride in the highly successful cooperation with Ambassador Unlu’s predecessor, H.E. Mr. Kalkavan, whose wisdom and goodwill played an important role in addressing certain challenges.

Rest assured that the competent authorities in Montenegro are guided exclusively by accountability, respect for the law, and stability – whether we speak of domestic or foreign nationals. Our approach to these principles is the only division we recognize, and any generalization leads to certain primitivism. Whoever respects the laws and institutions will find our doors wide open. Those who act contrary to them will face the rule of law and justice, Bečić underlined.

Speaking about the security sector and international cooperation, Bečić stressed that crime knows no borders, religion, or nationality, and that the exchange of information and joint action are crucial in combating transnational crime.

He highlighted the exceptional contribution of Novović, Šuković, Šćepanović and Šaranović in the historic fight against organized criminal groups in recent years, as well as in advancing European integration and implementing reform processes. We are witnessing continuous attacks, public disinformation, and manipulation aimed at halting reforms. However, our motivation is growing stronger, because Montenegro’s victory over organized crime has no alternative, Bečić emphasized.

He further pointed to comprehensive reforms being continuously implemented within the security sector, increased cooperation with EUROPOL, the professionalization of institutions, efforts to resolve long-standing staffing shortages, and a record budget of EUR 54 million this year for the modernization and digitalization of the Police Directorate, including the procurement of modern equipment and strengthening of operational capacities.

Regarding European integration, Bečić noted that by obtaining the IBAR in Chapters 23 and 24 – long-standing stumbling blocks for previous governments – the current Government has unblocked the European process and made the historic goal of closing all negotiating chapters by the end of the year attainable.

We are pleased that you view positively the successful completion of our European path. Our future membership will certainly not be an obstacle, but rather an incentive and motivation for our traditionally friendly relations, Bečić concluded.

Ambassador Ünlü reaffirmed Türkiye’s strong support for Montenegro’s European path and welcomed the visible results in the fight against organized crime and high-level corruption. She also announced the forthcoming signing of an agreement on cooperation in combating crime, stressing that perpetrators of criminal offenses will find no protection, regardless of their nationality or citizenship.

Your contribution, through various offices you have held, to strengthening relations between our two countries is recognized and appreciated. Türkiye sees in Montenegro a reliable NATO ally and, soon, a successful member of the European Union. In all reform efforts, we remain your sincere friend and partner, Ambassador Ünlü stated.