Trade, tourism and visa-free travel: what the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Montenegro discussed
During the negotiations, which included members of the official delegations, the sides discussed prospects for strengthening political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation between the two nations.
The President of Kazakhstan described Montenegro as one of Kazakhstan's reliable partners in the Balkan region. He highly praised the constructive and consistent policy of the country's leadership on its path toward joining the European Union.
"Mr. President, you have played an important role in advancing reforms in Montenegro and strengthening its position as one of the leading candidates for EU accession. We wish you success in achieving this strategic national goal," stated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to consolidating partnership relations with Montenegro, highlighting the dynamic development of cooperation in recent years driven by regular high-level political contacts.
According to him, the opening of the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Podgorica serves as convincing evidence of Astana's determination to consistently strengthen bilateral ties.
In this regard, he noted the importance of reciprocal steps to open a Montenegrin diplomatic mission in Astana, as well as the need to enhance inter-parliamentary ties.
The President of Kazakhstan expressed confidence that today's meeting between business representatives and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the chambers of commerce will facilitate the development of business contacts.
"Kazakhstan welcomes companies from Montenegro interested in expanding their presence in our market. We are ready to create favorable conditions for your entrepreneurs," noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Photo by the Akorda press service
Jakov Milatović highlighted the symbolism of his visit, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"I am convinced that from a political standpoint, my visit also demonstrates a high level of trust between our two countries. Our Chamber of Economy, which is responsible for the business aspect of the visit, is also interested in its substantive nature. Today, we will sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two chambers of commerce, which will provide a new impetus for closer economic cooperation," the President of Montenegro said.
According to him, Kazakhstan remains among the countries with which a visa-free regime is currently in effect.
"We are now in the final stages of the European Union accession process. We hope that by 2028, we will become a full member state of the EU, which will serve as another platform for strengthening the partnership between Kazakhstan and Montenegro," declared Jakov Milatović.
The parties also discussed opportunities to increase mutual trade volumes and ramp up cooperation in key economic sectors such as transport and logistics, agriculture, and digitalization.
Additionally, the heads of state agreed to promote partnerships in tourism, higher education, and science, and to support cultural and humanitarian ties as vital factors for strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
In this context, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to Jakov Milatović for his assistance in opening the Abay Center at the National Library of Montenegro.
The presidents also exchanged views on current issues on the global and regional agendas.
Photo by the Akorda press service
It is noted that the presidents of Kazakhstan and Montenegro have already held narrow-format talks. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev remarked that Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to the first-ever visit by a Montenegrin head of state.
Jakov Milatović thanked President Tokayev for the invitation to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan, noting that the visit demonstrates that ties between the two countries are reaching a high level.
“Many Kazakhs know Montenegro well”: Tokayev meets Milatović
As a reminder, on June 18, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit at the invitation of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.