Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro and Turkey are reliable NATO allies, contributing together to global peace and security, as well as strategic partners in political dialogue and economic cooperation, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic.

He attended on Wednesday the official reception marking the Day of Montenegro in Istanbul, alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

According to the press release from Milatovic’s office, the reception was held at the “Sakip Sabanci” museum in Istanbul, which once housed the embassy of the Principality and Kingdom of Montenegro – a symbol of friendship and the vision shared by Sultan Abdul Hamid II and King Nikola.

Milatovic said that the celebration provided an opportunity for the two countries to jointly mark the 146th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He pointed out that Montenegro and Turkey stand side by side as reliable allies in NATO, contributing together to global peace and security, while also deepening strategic partnership throgh political dialogue and economic cooperation.

Milatovic added that he was looking forward to the establishment of a high-level cooperation council, as a reflection of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Fidan said that the shared historical and cultural heritage, strong ties between the two nations and exceptional political relations represent a solid foundation for cooperation between Montenegro and Turkey.

According to the press release, he emphasized that there is a strong will on both sides to raise relations to an even higher level, expressing his belief that the partnership between Montenegro and Turkey will continue to grow stronger and more meaningful in the future.