President of Montenegro meets with MNU students

The meeting brought together more than one hundred university students. Chairman of the Board of MNU Talgat Narikbayev expressed his gratitude to Jakov Milatović for the opportunity to engage in discussion and noted that the visit takes place in the year marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Over the past two decades, our countries have developed friendly and constructive ties based on mutual respect and cooperation. Maqsut Narikbayev University also seeks to contribute to strengthening relations between Kazakhstan and Montenegro. This meeting is yet another example of the important role education plays in bringing people and nations closer together. Direct conversations with leaders of this caliber help students broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of international relations, and appreciate the importance of dialogue in fostering mutual understanding between peoples,” said Talgat Narikbayev.

The event was also attended by the First Lady of Montenegro, Milena Milatović, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan Assel Zhanassova, MNU Provost Anar Ibrayeva, members of the Montenegro government delegation, and media representatives. Jakov Milatović delivered a lecture titled “Foreign Policy in the Balkans and Central Asia: Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape”. The President of Montenegro highlighted Kazakhstan’s emergence as a leading political and economic power in Central Asia.

“Thanks to its balanced and well-considered multi-vector foreign policy, Kazakhstan has established itself as a pillar of regional stability and a partner whose voice is heard in all major capitals. In an era of profound geopolitical changes, your country is increasingly becoming a decisive force and a genuine balancing factor in the evolving global distribution of influence. Furthermore, Kazakhstan serves as an inspiration for Montenegro due to its unwavering commitment to the principles and mission of the United Nations, which constitutes the third pillar of Montenegro’s foreign policy,” emphasized Jakov Milatović.

At the same time, the Montenegro leader supported President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal for comprehensive UN reform. Jakov Milatović noted that both countries share the belief that a stable and prosperous international order should be based on multilateralism, international cooperation, respect for international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also answered a number of questions from students.

“Today’s meeting was a great opportunity for me as an International Law student to interact with distinguished personalities and leaders who shape global politics. The discussion was highly interactive, and we had the chance to ask all our questions. I asked the President of Montenegro how the effectiveness of the United Nations could be improved. According to him, only through the reform of the UN Security Council can cooperation among states be strengthened and global security enhanced,” said MNU student Shynar Baiton.

During the meeting, President Milatović shared his personal story of coming to power. Students also asked about the global consequences of climate change, brain drain, and the development of academic mobility programs. Participants were particularly interested in Montenegro’s prospects for joining the European Union.

“It was a memorable meeting, and the President of Montenegro’s answers were truly inspiring. Various topics were discussed, including education and relations between our two countries. Jakov Milatović also spoke about his country’s aspiration to become a member of the European Union and emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals,” noted MNU student Dana Kumargazy.

The event concluded with the presentation of branded souvenirs to the distinguished guests and a commemorative group photo. It is worth noting that MNU has previously hosted meetings between students and the leaders of France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.

To note, during his historic first official visit to Kazakhstan, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, logistics, energy and digital transformation in an exclusive interview with Qazinform News Agency