Fidan meets Montenegrin counterpart in Istanbul amid diplomatic efforts

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a meeting in Istanbul on Friday with Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, according to diplomatic sources. The discussions centered on ensuring the safety and rights of Turkish citizens in Montenegro and reinforcing the cooperative relationship between the two nations.

Addressing Recent Tensions

The diplomatic meeting follows a period of tension sparked by media reports in Montenegro that incorrectly linked Turkish nationals to a knife attack in Podgorica. In response to the initial allegations, Montenegro's Prime Minister had announced a temporary suspension of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens, a move that prompted swift diplomatic engagement from Ankara.

Court Ruling and Diplomatic Outreach

The talks in Istanbul occurred on the same day that the Podgorica High Court officially cleared two detained individuals of any connection to the incident, leading to their release. Prior to this meeting, Minister Fidan had already conveyed Türkiye's expectations for the protection of its citizens during phone calls with Montenegro's Prime Minister and President.

Commitment to Bilateral Relations

Throughout the discussions, Minister Fidan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to deepening its friendship and cooperation with Montenegro. The dialogue underscored a mutual interest in moving past the recent incident and focusing on the long-standing positive relations between the two countries.