08 October 2019 - Montenegro and Turkey agreed on improving cooperation in ten areas concerning trade and economic relations and signed an agreement on cooperation between the two ministries in charge of sport and youth. At the Fifth session of the Mixed Commission for Economic Cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of Turkey, which was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Montenegro Milutin Simović and Minister of Youth and Sports of Turkey Mehmet Kasapoglu, it was noted that two countries foster excellent political relations and that both sides see room for further strengthening economic cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Simović noted that this conference is another confirmation that intensive economic cooperation is high on the agenda of continuous boosting of bilateral relations between Montenegro and Turkey, which is characterised by a high-quality political dialogue, mutual understanding and respect. "The Mixed Commission, through regular meetings, works hard to fulfil the tasks that are entrusted to the Commission through the Agreement on economic cooperation between the two counties," DPM Simović stated.
Deputy Prime Minister Simović pointed out that Montenegro has become a reliable and attractive investment destination through the creation of a competitive environment for business, with significant potentials in the areas of energy, tourism, agriculture and industry.
Co-chairing from the Turkish side, Minister Kasapoglu emphasised that Turkey sees Montenegro as a sincere and reliable partner, and that bilateral cooperation between the two countries can set an example not only in the region but also further. He estimated that such high-quality relations between Turkey and Montenegro need to be reflected through economic cooperation, stressing that all the opportunities offered by the free trade agreement must be exploited.
"I believe that the Protocol from this session of the Mixed Commission will give additional impetus to economic relations. I will personally monitor all activities related to the implementation of the Protocol and the agreement on cooperation in the field of sports and youth," Minister Kasapoglu said.
Both sides agreed that the next, sixth session of the Mixed Commission should be held in 2020 and hosted by the Government of Turkey.
The Government of Montenegro's delegation also included Minister of Education Damir Šehović and Minister of Health Kenan Hrapović.
Within the framework of the Mixed Commission, a business forum of Montenegrin and Turkish businesspeople took place, sponsored by the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro and the Turkish-Montenegrin Business Council at the Committee for International Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Trade of Turkey.
