Transformation that Kazakhstan has undergone in a relatively short period of time is something to be proud of - President Jakov Milatović

- Mr. President, thank you very much for being with us today and for sharing your time with us this morning. This year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Montenegro. At the same time, your visit is historic, as this is the first official visit by a President of Montenegro to our country. What were the key objectives of this visit, and how do you see its contribution to further strengthening bilateral ties?

Indeed, this is a truly historic visit, as it is the first official visit by a President of Montenegro to Kazakhstan. I am here at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. We met last year on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he kindly invited me to visit Kazakhstan, and this year we are turning that invitation into reality.

This year is also very special for Montenegro because we are celebrating 20 years since regaining our independence, as well as 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan. I believe that through this visit both Kazakhstan and Montenegro are demonstrating that our partnership and friendship have reached the highest political level.

This visit has elevated our political dialogue to the highest level. At the same time, it aims to give additional substance to our friendly bilateral relationship. As I said yesterday when I was welcomed by President Tokayev, I am coming here as a friend to a friendly country.

The substance we wanted to add is primarily related to economic cooperation. That is why I arrived with a relatively large business delegation from Montenegro, around 30 representatives from various sectors. Yesterday, they met with their counterparts from Kazakhstan at the business forum to explore opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation between our countries.

I would also like to mention that I arrived on Air Astana, your national carrier, which connects Montenegro with both Astana and Almaty. The flight takes approximately five and a half hours, and my experience with Air Astana was excellent.

This air connection, which has existed for more than five years, has significantly strengthened our ties. Increasing numbers of Kazakh citizens are visiting Montenegro as tourists. Our countries enjoy a visa-free regime, which has also encouraged more Montenegrins to travel to Kazakhstan.

We certainly want to continue strengthening these people-to-people ties.

- You mentioned your meeting with President Tokayev at the UN General Assembly last year. At that time, you emphasized that Montenegro shares with the countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, the values of peace, trust and multilateralism. Given that, what are the key issues on today's agenda regarding cooperation on international and multilateral matters?

Let me first mention that yesterday we signed three bilateral agreements. One was between our chambers of commerce, another between our national tourism organizations, and the third between our public broadcasters.

In addition, several bilateral agreements are currently being prepared by our governments. One is a government-to-government agreement on economic cooperation, which will provide the legal basis for establishing an Economic Council between our two countries. Another concerns cooperation between the ministries responsible for digital transformation. I believe Montenegro can learn from Kazakhstan's experience and achievements in this area.

The third area relates to cooperation between our justice ministries. Together, these initiatives are creating a new legal framework and providing fresh momentum for relations between our countries.

We also cooperate closely within the multilateral system. As you mentioned, both our countries are strongly committed to the United Nations as the cornerstone of the international multilateral order.

Through our diplomatic missions and international engagement, we work together to promote peace and cooperation among nations. In that regard, I believe Kazakhstan and Montenegro share very similar views in today's uncertain and often geopolitically challenging world.

That is why strengthening relations between like-minded countries such as Kazakhstan and Montenegro is so important.

I would also like to mention that Montenegro is currently in the final stages of its European Union accession process. Among the ten candidate countries seeking membership, Montenegro is by far the most advanced.

I recently hosted EU leaders in Montenegro, and we all expect Montenegro to become the EU's next member state by 2028. Membership in the European Union will provide yet another platform for cooperation with Kazakhstan. As you know, the EU is one of Kazakhstan's key economic partners.

In that regard, we look forward to contributing to even stronger ties between the European Union and Kazakhstan once Montenegro joins the EU.

- You have just mentioned the importance of the legal framework for economic cooperation. Turning to specific sectors, you referred to digitalization, while logistics and energy are also important areas of interaction. Which sectors do you believe hold the greatest potential for expanding economic cooperation between our countries?

First of all, tourism is a key sector for Montenegro. We certainly want to position Montenegro even more strongly on the map for Kazakh travelers and encourage more people from Kazakhstan to discover the beauty of our country.

That is one of the reasons why many representatives of Montenegro's hospitality industry are here with us today.

Another important area is logistics. There is no need to explain the strategic importance of neither Kazakhstan’s location, nor Montenegro's position on European transport routes.

This is particularly relevant today as efforts continue to develop the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe. We discussed this issue as well. The European Union is investing significantly in the development of the Middle Corridor, and Montenegro, located on the Adriatic coast, can serve as an important gateway to Europe.

This is an area where Kazakhstan and Montenegro can further strengthen cooperation.

The third sector is energy. Montenegro serves as an important electricity hub in Southeastern Europe. A significant share of energy traded between the Balkans and Western Europe passes through Montenegro.

Likewise, Kazakhstan plays an important role in the energy sector. Therefore, there is considerable room for enhanced cooperation.

Construction is another promising area. Montenegro is currently entering a major investment cycle involving highways, motorways and municipal infrastructure projects. I believe Kazakh companies could become more active participants in these developments.

All of these areas can be brought together for the benefit of the business communities of both Montenegro and Kazakhstan, and ultimately for the benefit of our citizens.

- When we talk about transport and logistics connectivity, what immediate opportunities do you see for Montenegro, the Balkan region and wider Europe in terms of cooperation with Kazakhstan?

When you look at the map and see Montenegro's position, it becomes clear that we can play an important role in connecting trade routes between Asia and Europe.

As goods move through the Caspian region, across the Middle Corridor and onward to Europe, Montenegro can serve as one of the gateways to European markets.

We have the Port of Bar, a major seaport on the Adriatic coast, which is predominantly state-owned and offers significant opportunities for cooperation. This is one area where I can see immediate potential for collaboration between Montenegro and Kazakhstan.

- Trade turnover between our countries remains relatively modest and does not yet reflect the full potential of our relations. What steps should be taken to increase trade and economic exchanges?

I agree that the current trade volume remains relatively small.

Once we sign the intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation, which is now largely ready, it will provide the legal basis for establishing an Economic Commission between our two countries. This commission, composed of representatives from both governments, will focus specifically on identifying opportunities to expand trade and economic cooperation.

Let me give you a concrete example. I brought representatives of one of Montenegro's largest wine producers with me. It is a state-owned company, one of the most recognized brands in Montenegro and one of the leading wine producers in Southeast Europe.

I believe its products are still relatively unknown in Kazakhstan, yet I see tremendous potential for them in the Kazakh market. This is just one example of the many opportunities that exist between our countries.

- Do you have a specific target in mind for increasing trade turnover in the coming years?

I would not put a specific figure on it at this stage. However, I would highlight something that I discussed yesterday with President Tokayev.

Kazakhstan opened a Consulate General in Podgorica, our capital, two years ago. I believe this was a very important step.

I believe Montenegro should establish a stronger diplomatic presence in Central Asia, starting with Kazakhstan. Such a presence could also help us engage more actively with the wider region.

Central Asia is a region of around 100 million people. It is a dynamic region with which Montenegro can cooperate on many issues. Strengthening our diplomatic presence would naturally contribute to stronger economic relations as well.

Montenegro is a small country with a relatively limited diplomatic network. We have around 40 embassies worldwide, but unfortunately none in Central Asia. This is something we need to change.

- Tourism has become an increasingly important element of bilateral relations. We already have direct flights between our countries and a visa-free regime. What else can be done to bring our people closer together and further promote Kazakhstan and Montenegro as travel destinations?

I believe that direct air connections provide an excellent foundation for closer cooperation. This is something I personally supported back in 2021, when I served as Minister of Economic Development and was also responsible for tourism.

The launch of direct flights opened an important market for Montenegro. Over the past few years, we have seen a growing number of Kazakh citizens visiting Montenegro and discovering our country. From what I hear, many of them return after their first visit.

When I speak with representatives of Montenegro's hospitality sector, they consistently express positive views about visitors from Kazakhstan. They tend to stay longer and contribute significantly to the tourism economy.

Kazakhstan has become one of the priority markets for Montenegro's tourism industry. This is precisely why representatives of the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro are part of my delegation.

In today's uncertain world, Montenegro remains a safe, peaceful and welcoming destination. Tourism and hospitality are at the heart of our economy and our culture.

I believe that everyone from Kazakhstan who has visited Montenegro has experienced that firsthand. Let me therefore say clearly, as President of Montenegro: the people of Kazakhstan are always welcome in Montenegro.

As I have said throughout this visit, I come here as a friend to a friendly country. That is exactly how we welcome our friends from Kazakhstan.

- This is your first official visit to Kazakhstan and to Astana. What impressions will you take back home?

I must say that even before coming to Kazakhstan, I already had a positive impression of the country. During my studies abroad, some of my closest friends were students from Kazakhstan. Because of those friendships, I was already familiar with many of the qualities that define this country and its people.

What I have experienced during this visit has only reinforced those impressions. I have encountered great hospitality, impressive people and a country that has achieved remarkable progress over the past three decades.

Astana itself is a striking example of that progress. It is a young city, yet its development has been truly impressive. The transformation that Kazakhstan has undergone in a relatively short period of time is something to be proud of.

Kazakhstan has also built a strong international reputation and profile. This is another achievement that deserves recognition.

But ultimately, the most important aspect of any relationship is the connection between people. I represent the people of Montenegro, and I can confidently say that there is genuine friendship and goodwill between the people of Montenegro and the people of Kazakhstan.

When such a foundation exists, it makes the work of politicians much easier.

- Finally, has this visit met your expectations?

Absolutely, we had a very intensive and productive program yesterday. I met with President Tokayev, the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister and members of the Government.

Today, I will speak at one of your universities, meet President Tokayev once again, visit the Astana International Financial Centre and learn more about Kazakhstan's efforts in artificial intelligence and digital development.

These are areas where Kazakhstan has made significant progress and where Montenegro can learn from your experience. Although our countries differ in size and geography, we share similar ambitions in terms of development, modernization and innovation.

I believe there is much that Montenegro can learn from Kazakhstan's experience, just as there are many areas where our countries can work together more closely in the future.

For all these reasons, I can say that this visit has fully met my expectations and has laid a strong foundation for further strengthening relations between Montenegro and Kazakhstan.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Jakov Milatović paid the first official visit by a Montenegrin head of state to Kazakhstan on June 19-20 at the invitation of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.