Interior ministers Nuhodžić, Soylu: We are set to strengthen cooperation between two ministries in order to combat security challenges more effectively

Podgorica, Montenegro (25 October 2019) -- Minister of the Interior of Montenegro and his Turkish counterpart Süleyman Soylu, noted in Podgorica earlier today the police of the two countries have developed high-quality cooperation and that it will be deepened in order to counteract security challenges even more effectively.

"Our talks have been friendly and constructive as it fits with NATO members and friends, which, within the Alliance, have established high-quality cooperation with a view to creating a more stable and secure environment. Relations between our two countries are developing and progressing in all fields, but I am particularly pleased that in the previous period partnerships in the field of internal affairs have been improved, bearing in mind that we are facing common security risks,” Minister Nuhodžić told the press conference following the meeting.

Montenegrin Interior minister said that threats such as organised crime, illegal migration, terrorism and violent extremism know no borders nowadays, and that continued cooperation of police services is a priority.

"The exchange of information and the cooperation of criminal police are crucial in the fight against crime. This cooperation is particularly intensified in the area of ​​drug trafficking detection and prevention, and we will further improve it. That is why our meeting today testifies to strong commitment to further strengthen police cooperation, both at strategic and operational levels,” Minister Nuhodžić underscored.

He added that concrete activities will be implemented in the coming period to improve cooperation in the field of emergencies, based on the bilateral agreement signed this February in Ankara. In the context of the training and professional development of our staff, he expressed appreciation for the assistance and support provided by the Turkish TIKA Cooperation and Coordination Agency.

Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu stated the relations between the two countries' interior ministries are at an extremely high level. He stressed that today's meeting was an opportunity to strengthen an established, longstanding friendship and exchange views on the mechanisms of future cooperation in the field of illegal migration, fight against terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking. "It is very important that Montenegro has successfully completed its story when it comes to NATO membership," Minister Soylu said.

Minister Nuhodžić particularly emphasised that expatriates from Montenegro living in Turkey are a good bridge of cooperation that represents a strong link between the two countries.

"Montenegro, as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious harmony, cherishes these values, believing that this is the basis of its stability. I am sure that our talks today will also contribute to strengthening friendly relations with Turkey, for the benefit of the citizens of our two countries," Minister Nuhodžić concluded.