Montenegrin Ambassador: The projects for reconstruction of Karabakh are truly very ambitious and modern - INTERVIEW

Azerbaijan was also one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Montenegro. Relations between our two countries represent extraordinary cooperation of two friendly states. Frequent high-level contacts are the main driving force of bilateral relations and confirmation of strong diplomatic activities.

The interview of the Ambassador of Montenegro to Türkiye, Perisa Kastratovic, to the Ankara Bureau of Report:

- How do you estimate relations between Azerbaijan and Montenegro?

- There are many similarities between Montenegro and Azerbaijan, two multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious countries. The fact that both countries, each with its own rich history, culture, tradition, folklore, and peculiarities, celebrate their independence in May is a special connecting thread between our peoples, and very dear to me. Azerbaijan was also one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Montenegro. Relations between our two countries represent extraordinary cooperation of two friendly states. Frequent high-level contacts are the main driving force of bilateral relations and confirmation of strong diplomatic activities.

- Which areas can be prioritized for the development of relations between the two countries?

- There are many fields in which Montenegro and Azerbaijan can cooperate and I think that it's of utmost importance that we use our excellent political relations to further enhance economic ties.

Tourism is our most important economic branch and Azerbaijan has the biggest investment in Montenegro - Porto Novi, which is a tourist resort with unique content not just in Montenegro, but in Europe. With this project, Montenegro got a world-class hotel brand “One and Only” and a prestigious luxury resort, that employs more than a thousand people. It is also an example of how a good and credible investor, with support from the government, can realize a large and successful project. Besides the seaside, which is pretty much known, Montenegro’s northern region has enormous touristic potential. With the right investments and development plans, the tourist season in Montenegro could last up to 9 months.

Besides tourism, we are very interested in cooperation in the field of energy, for which Montenegro also has great potential. We are dedicated to the development of the energy sector based on principles of decarbonization and green energy transition. I must emphasize that our priority is the production of renewable energy, such as hydro potential, wind potential, and solar energy. This can be the basis for cooperation with Azerbaijan, considering that your country is dedicatedly working to use these potentials, especially when it comes to the reconstruction of Karabakh. It cannot be ignored that in the current geopolitical situation, Azerbaijan plays a very important role in the formation of the energy scenery of the world and is a reliable gas supplier to European countries. Montenegro does not have gas infrastructure and building one that leads to our territory is a priority. Gasification of the country is important because of the development of industry, economy, investments, etc. Since we cooperate so successfully in tourism, we hope we can achieve the same level in the area of energy.

When it comes to political relations, I already said these are excellent, but I think it is important to further intensify communication between Parliaments, as well as people-to-people contact, in order to have a better understanding of each other, which I believe is the foundation of relations between countries.

- What can you say about cultural relationships between two countries? What plans do you have for the development of relations between peoples and cultures in the humanitarian field?

- Montenegro and Azerbaijan have produced great artists, writers, poets, and scientists, who spread the culture of their countries beyond their borders. I believe our cultures shape us in countless ways and when it comes to interaction with others, culture is one of the most important factors that bring us together. It provides us with shared values, beliefs, and traditions that allow us to better understand and communicate with each other and that is why I strongly believe this is one of the most important dimensions of cooperation with any country.

Speaking specifically of cooperation in this field between our countries, Azerbaijan renovated King’s Park in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, where there is now a statue of well-known Azerbaijani poet Huseyn Javid. Podgorica also has Baku Street. With the help of your Government, the preschool institution in Bijelo Polje, a city in the north of Montenegro, was renovated. Still, in this field, there is always more to be done, and I hope that in the future we will have more cultural activities, such as festivals, fairs, exhibitions, performances, etc. that will help us to get to know each other better and bring us closer.

-What products does Azerbaijan mainly buy from Montenegro?

Trade exchange between the two countries, unfortunately, is not at an enviable level and we need to work on its improvement and strengthening of trade exchange. We can do this through intergovernmental commissions, business circles, and mutual contacts. The signing of the strategic partnership agreement could be a quality basis that could help to intensify economic and trade cooperation.

- Is it expected to open direct flights between our two countries?

-There is a charter flight between Podgorica and Baku during summer. Considering that a large number of tourists from Azerbaijan were interested in visiting Montenegro. As I said in answer to your previous question, I strongly believe that the most important thing is for our people to get to know each other and, in that sense, I hope that in the future there will be a regular flight between the two countries and not just a charter one during the summer. The direct airlines would also contribute to the further enhancement of our economic cooperation. It's important to mention that citizens of Azerbaijan do not need visas to enter Montenegro and are very welcome to come and enjoy the natural beauties of our country. Although small in territory, Montenegro is at the same time a Mediterranean and mountainous country and has an abundance of natural contrast: sea with beautiful and diverse beaches, hidden lagoons, islets, and towns founded back in Greek and Roman times, biggest lake in the Balkans, one of the remaining primeval forests in Europe, colossal mountains, clear glacial lakes, the deepest canyon in Europe, five national parks and numerous nature reserves and protected areas. The great artistic and cultural values of Kotor listed this small seaside town as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. And the best thing you can see the most of all this in 7-8 days. I think this really makes Montenegro a perfect vacation destination. I hope that in the near future citizens of Montenegro will be able to enter Azerbaijan without a visa as well, so that more of them can see for themselves how beautiful and rich in culture your country is.

- By the way, you know that Azerbaijan liberated Karabakh in 2020 after nearly 30 years of occupation. Did you have the opportunity to go to Karabakh during your visits to Azerbaijan?

- Montenegro always supported the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. I visited Karabakh many times, actually every time I had the opportunity and I saw for myself the level of destruction and devastation of the region. I also know that the territory is still heavily laced with mines and unexploded ordnance, that the process of de-mining is still going on, and that it is a prerequisite for the return of people, and life in general, to the region. I’m familiar with the projects for reconstruction and they are truly very ambitious and modern and will serve as an example of sustainability to the entire world. More important, in my opinion, is the humanitarian aspect of it. We know that the return process is very challenging and difficult. It’s clear that the well-being of your people comes first and that this idea is the driving force behind it all. It is of utmost importance to create job opportunities for people that will return to these territories and your Government also has plans for that, which is very commendable.

We reported regularly about the potential of reconstruction in Karabakh. We will see if there will be interested investors from Montenegro.

Can your country open an Embassy in Azerbaijan in the near future?

Montenegro is covering Azerbaijan from Ankara and since 2019 we have an Office in Baku, which is part of the Embassy of Montenegro to the Republic of Türkiye with a resident diplomat. Azerbaijan also has an Office in Podgorica, which is a part of your Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. I must add that Montenegro has only 39 diplomatic missions in the world, and the fact that we apply this model only to Azerbaijan shows that we attach great importance to our relations.

- Which high-level visits are expected in the near future?

In May this year, the Speaker of our Parliament, Mrs. Danijela Đurović, visited Baku and met with President Aliyev, the Speaker of the Parliament Mrs. Gafarova, as well as with the President of the Government Mr. Asadov. Previously this year, the Montenegrin Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Minister of Public Administration, as well as Minister of Capital Investments visited Azerbaijan. Last January Speaker of the Parliament Mr. Bećić visited Azerbaijan. As I said in my first answer, meetings at the high and highest level are frequent, though we hope we will have the opportunity to host Azerbaijani dignitaries and officials in Montenegro as well and repay for their wonderful and warm hospitality.

- You have to come to Azerbaijan for the first time. You probably have certain impressions about our country.

I presented my credentials to President Aliyev on 12^th June 2021 and ever since I use every opportunity to visit Azerbaijan, in order to meet with representatives of institutions and colleagues from the diplomatic corps. I love Baku and its mixture of tradition and modernity. On one side there’s the old city with its maze of alleys, mosques, and historic buildings, and on the other side is a modern business center. I was also very lucky to visit Nakhchivan in April this year, when your Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a visit for the diplomatic corps. It is very important to me, as an ambassador to Azerbaijan, to get to know your country and especially your people as much as I can, and I truly enjoy every visit.