Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović arrived in Kazakhstan over the weekend for the first state visit by a Montenegrin head of state to the Central Asian country, with talks focused on expanding cooperation in transport and logistics.
At a meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the Montenegrin side highlighted the Central Asian nation’s role as a logistical hub between Europe and Asia.
The country is a key transit point along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
Given Montenegro’s strategic location on the Adriatic coast, the two sides discussed the possibility of integrating the Port of Bar into the TITR network.
While no formal agreement was announced, officials said such cooperation could eventually contribute to the development of a multimodal transport corridor connecting Central Asia with southern and central Europe.
“Kazakhstan is an important partner in an area that increasingly connects Europe and Asia. That’s why we see this visit as an opportunity to open new doors for the Montenegrin economy, tourism, investments and development,” Milatović said.
Over the past year, cargo volumes along the TITR route increased by more than 36%, reaching 77,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The historic visit
Milatović’s trip was particularly significant because it coincided with the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence and the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised Montenegro’s progress on its path towards European Union membership, a goal Milatović has said the country hopes to achieve by 2028.
“You have played a vital role in advancing reforms in Montenegro and strengthening its position as a leading candidate for EU accession. We wish you success in achieving this strategic national goal,” said Tokayev.
Both leaders noted that Montenegro’s eventual accession to the EU could create new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Milatović also stressed the growing importance of Central Asia in Montenegro’s foreign policy, arguing that the country’s diplomatic engagement with the region should reflect its increasing economic and geopolitical significance.
“Today, this is an important region with a population of more than 100 million people and a strategic significance that deserves Montenegro’s attention,” he said.
The president announced plans to open Montenegro’s diplomatic mission in Astana, which would represent the country’s interests across Central Asia.
“Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, and Montenegro should take its rightful place in this country,” Milatović added.
Kazakhstan has maintained a Consulate General in Podgorica since 2024.
Business, digital partnership and tourism
The Montenegro delegation also explored opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, digitalisation and agriculture.
Both sides acknowledged that current trade volumes remain well below their potential. Between January and April, bilateral trade totalled €226,700, 81% less than the same period a year earlier.
On his visit to Astana Milatović was accompanied by a business delegation to jumpstart trade. During the Kazakhstan-Montenegro Business Forum, the two countries’ Chambers of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding, while Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to providing a favourable business and investment climate for its Balkan partners.
Digital transformation was another area of interest. Officials noted that Kazakhstan is one of the countries with a highly developed e-government system. Around 90% of all services in the country can be acquired online. Astana is also placing an enormous importance on developing the AI sphere. Montenegro considers the country’s experience worthwhile.
“We highly value Kazakhstan’s achievements in digital transformation and believe we can learn from your country’s valuable experience in this area,” noted Milatović.
Tourism continues to play an increasingly important role in bilateral relations. The number of Kazakh visitors travelling to Montenegro has grown steadily since the launch of direct flights in 2021.
Kazakhstan citizens can also enter Montenegro visa-free for up to 30 days between May and October each year, further supporting tourism exchange between the two countries.