The Consul General of Montenegro in Istanbul, Branislav Karadzic, and the Honorary Consul of Balıkesir, Dr. Akkan Suver, came together with our citizens of Montenegrin descent in Ayvalık, organized under the leadership of Adil Özuzun, the President of the Montenegrin Immigrants Association.

During the meeting, which aimed to promote job opportunities in Montenegro, Dr. Akkan Suver highlighted the political unity between Turkey and Montenegro, while Consul General Branislav Karadzic explained the economic values, investment opportunities, and financial advantages of Montenegro.

Branislav Karadzic and Dr. Akkan Suver also answered the participants' questions, emphasizing that Montenegro is a safe country in Europe without any problems with its neighbors.

The meeting was attended by Ali Uçar, the President of the Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce, Ahmet Çetin, the President of the Edremit Chamber of Commerce, and Mustafa Aysel, the President of the Burhaniye Chamber of Commerce.

At the end of the guest Consul General and Honorary Consul speeches, Memorial Awards were presented, and the meeting concluded with a group photo. The Mayor of Ayvalık, Mesut Ergin, had a conversation with the guests after the meeting.

The speech of the Honorary Consul of Montenegro in Balıkesir and the President of the Marmara Group Foundation, Dr. Akkan Suver, is as follows:

 “The presidential and parliamentary elections took place in Turkey. During the same period, although not on the same days, presidential and parliamentary elections were held in Montenegro. After these elections, we witnessed two significant visits between Turkey and Montenegro within ten days.

First, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazovic, visited Turkey, followed by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, visiting Montenegro.

These visits, which took place within a ten-day period, provided a beautiful example of the historical, humanitarian, and cultural ties, as well as the excellent level of economic dimension between Montenegro and Turkey.

Montenegro is a geographically and logistically attractive center opening to the Adriatic Sea, thanks to its strategic location, infrastructure, and tourism potential in the Balkan region. Montenegro is also considered a reliable country without any problems with any other country.

Therefore, Montenegro is an important partner for Turkey. Currently, the total amount of Turkish investments in Montenegro has reached 344 million euros as a result of our joint cooperation in the economic and energy fields. This not only provides prestige to our businesspeople in Montenegro but also elevates them to the top ranks in terms of foreign investments. Moreover, with the expansion of the scope of our free trade agreement, our bilateral trade volume is approaching 250 million dollars.

Are these enough?

Certainly not.

Therefore, last week, a group of prominent Turkish businesspeople came together with the idea of further strengthening our bilateral trade and investment relations and established the Montenegro-Turkish Chamber of Commerce. This is a new beginning.

The political movement that first made Montenegro independent, then brought it into NATO, and initiated the negotiation process with the EU, lost the elections held in the past days. The political party called 'Europe Now' won the presidential election first and then achieved partial superiority in the parliamentary elections. Although a coalition has not yet been formed at the level of government, the visit of Dritan Abazovic, the current Prime Minister, to our country is important. I interpret this visit as a sign of determination to increase, expand, and elevate the relations between Turkey and Montenegro.

On the other hand, I find it important that Turkey has directed its attention towards Montenegro by organizing seventeen flights per week with Turkish Airlines, contributing not only to tourism but also providing convenience to businesspeople. Considering that Pegasus Airlines will also start flights to Montenegro this month, it will be naturally observed that Turkey is determined to advance its relations with Montenegro, both politically and economically. Especially considering Turkey's focus on achieving great goals in tourism and energy fields, the significance of the visits by Dritan Abazovic and Hakan Fidan will gain further meaning over time.

Therefore, these two reciprocal visits that took place after the presidential and parliamentary elections between the two countries are important and valuable for the stability of the Balkans."

Montenegro Istanbul Consul General Branislav Karadzic and Dr. Akkan Suver is together. Dr. After his speech, Akkan Suver was given a Memorial Gift by Serhat Sancaktar.

Dr. Akkan Suver and Branislav Karadzic, Consul General of Montenegro in Istanbul, together with the Presidents of Ayvalık, Edremit and Burhaniye Chambers of Commerce.