Montenegro and Turkey boost cooperation in air transport, social welfare and investment protection

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Istanbul, Turkey (15 March 2012) – Montenegrin and Turkish Government officials signed agreements to support investments, social welfare, civil air transport and air transport infrastructure on Wednesday in Istanbul.

Prime Minister Igor Lukšić said he was hopeful these agreements would encourage Turkish investors to examine investment options when it comes to Nikšić's steel mill, mining and airport infrastructure, in particular the potential reconstruction of the airport in the northern town of Berane.

Turkey’s support to Montenegro’s NATO bid, according to PM Lukšić, is ”a serious encouragement” to continue to meet the NATO agenda, as Turkey is one of the most significant Alliance’s members as far as the region is concerned.

PM Lukšić said that Montenegro supports Turkey’s membership in the UN Security Council for 2015-2016, as well as the initiative to host the 2020 Olympics.

The agreements aim at deepening mutual cooperation, especially to boost the goods exchange, which totaled US$ 42 million in 2011, to US$ 100 million, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed.

He invited Turkish businesses to make investments in Montenegro, at the same time mentioning the increase of Turkish Airlines flights to Montenegro from 3 to 4 times a week.