Today, Astana is welcoming President of Montenegro
Jakov Milatović, who has arrived in Kazakhstan on his first official visit. The
welcoming ceremony took place at the Palace of Independence, where the
presidents of the two countries introduced members of their official
delegations and the national anthems of Kazakhstan and Montenegro were
performed.
Afterward, the two presidents held talks. Welcoming the distinguished guest, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the historic significance of the visit. It will give new impetus to bilateral relations, especially as Kazakhstan is ready for close cooperation with Montenegro across all areas. Priorities include trade, investment, transport connectivity, digital solutions, agriculture, and tourism. In turn, Jakov Milatović confirmed that relations between Astana and Podgorica are moving to a new level.
«Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my congratulations on the 20th anniversary of your independence. Since then, we used to have very good, excellent relationship. Now I believe that we must put some substantial content on our cooperation and I believe there will be no difficulties with that,» Tokayev said.
«I also came here, as you rightly know, as a friend in a friendly country. As you know, that we also came today with a number of business people from Montenegro, so we will be also organizing together with your chamber of commerce and our chamber of commerce a business forum. A number of memorandums of understanding will be signed,» Milatović said.
Montenegro is one of Kazakhstan’s reliable partners in the Balkan region. The two sides maintain regular high-level political contacts. Kazakhstan’s Consulate General in Podgorica also contributes to the further development of bilateral relations. President Tokayev proposed that Montenegro open its diplomatic mission in Astana as well. Regarding the expansion of trade and economic cooperation, the Head of State assured Montenegrin business representatives of Kazakhstan’s commitment to creating a favorable investment climate in the country.
«Kazakhstan welcomes Montenegro companies interested in exploring opportunities in Kazakhstan. We will be, of course, providing very favorable conditions for the business community to do business here in our country,» Tokayev added.
He also highly praised the constructive and consistent policy of Montenegro’s leadership on its path toward European Union membership. For his part, Milatović noted that this framework would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
«Given the fact that we are now in the final stage of our EU accession, hopefully becoming the 28th member state of the EU by 2028, by being a part of the EU, that will be another platform of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Montenegro as the future member state of the European Union,» Milatović added.
The two sides also emphasized cultural and
humanitarian ties as one of the key factors in strengthening friendship and
mutual understanding between the countries. Tokayev also expressed gratitude to
the Montenegrin side for the opening of the Abai Center at the National Library
of Montenegro. Following the talks, the heads of state adopted a Joint
Statement. A number of documents have also been signed during the visit,
covering cooperation in tourism and media, as well as interaction between the
chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries.
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