Key facts
- Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović visited Kazakhstan for a state visit.
- Discussions centered on integrating Montenegro's Port of Bar into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
- The potential integration aims to create a multimodal transport corridor connecting Central Asia with southern and central Europe.
- Cargo volumes along the TITR route increased by over 36% in the past year.
- Montenegro plans to open a diplomatic mission in Astana to represent its interests across Central Asia.
- Bilateral trade between Montenegro and Kazakhstan totaled €226,700 from January to April, an 81% decrease year-on-year.
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović concluded a historic state visit to Kazakhstan, focusing on enhancing trade, transport, and diplomatic ties. A key discussion point was the potential integration of Montenegro's Adriatic Port of Bar into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor. This initiative aims to establish a new multimodal transport corridor linking Central Asia with southern and central Europe.
During his meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Milatović emphasized Kazakhstan's role as a logistical hub and the strategic importance of the TITR. While no formal agreement was announced, both sides expressed optimism that such cooperation could bolster the Montenegrin economy. Cargo volumes on the TITR have seen significant growth, increasing by over 36% in the past year to reach 77,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev commended Montenegro's progress toward European Union membership, a goal Milatović hopes to achieve by 2028. Tokayev noted that Montenegro's eventual EU accession could unlock further bilateral cooperation opportunities. Milatović also highlighted the growing importance of Central Asia in Montenegro's foreign policy, announcing plans to open a Montenegrin diplomatic mission in Astana to cover the region.
The visit included a business delegation, leading to a memorandum of understanding signed between the Chambers of Commerce of both countries. Opportunities in digital transformation and tourism were also explored, with Montenegro expressing interest in Kazakhstan's advanced e-government system and AI development. Despite a significant year-on-year decrease in bilateral trade volumes for the first four months of the year, both nations are committed to fostering a favorable business climate.