The diplomatic standoff between Turkey and Montenegro is taking on increasingly intense dimensions, following the surprise decision of the Spajic government to temporarily reinstate the visa regime for Turkish nationals. The suspension of the visa-free agreement, decided on October 27, caused political turmoil in Podgorica and intense discomfort in Ankara, which did not rule out the possibility of responding with countermeasures.

Speaking from the city of Bar, the Turkish ambassador to Montenegro tried to calm the situation, stating that the ties between the two countries remain strong and will not be broken by individual decisions or misunderstandings. “Turkey-Montenegro relations have deep roots and are mature enough to withstand political turmoil,” he said.

However, he did not hide Ankara's dissatisfaction with the visa imposition, which he described as "unjustified" and "sloppy." He stressed that Turkey expects the Podgorica government to immediately revoke the measure, warning that otherwise "there will be a corresponding reaction, based on the principle of reciprocity."

Κατά την περιοδεία του στο Bar, o Τούρκος Πρέσβης επισκέφθηκε τουρκική επιχείρηση που υπέστη πρόσφατα ζημιές, επισημαίνοντας ότι η τρέχουσα ένταση μπορεί να έχει αρνητικές συνέπειες για τον τουρισμό και την οικονομία. «Στην Τουρκία πληθαίνουν οι φωνές που ζητούν μποϊκοτάζ ταξιδιών στο Μαυροβούνιο. Αν αυτό εξελιχθεί σε ευρύτερη τάση, οι επιπτώσεις μπορεί να είναι σημαντικές», προειδοποίησε. Παράλληλα, εξέφρασε ανησυχία για τους Μαυροβούνιους πολίτες που χρησιμοποιούν την Τουρκία ως διαμετακομιστικό κόμβο ή επισκέπτονται τη χώρα για ιατρικούς λόγους.

According to official figures, more than 250,000 citizens of Montenegrin origin reside in Turkey, while approximately 200,000 Turkish travelers choose Montenegro as a destination every year. In 2024, Turkish investments in the country exceeded 100 million euros, while Turkish Airlines carried over 250,000 passengers to and from the country.

The Turkish ambassador thanked the Montenegrin security authorities and local administrations for their prompt response to recent incidents, while calling on citizens “to show composure and solidarity.” He said, “in the face of the rhetoric of fear and disinformation, trust in institutions and commitment to the rule of law is the only answer.”

The Turkish embassy confirmed that contacts between the two governments are ongoing. Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, who was recently in Istanbul, held talks with Turkish officials, while new consular consultations are planned in the near future.

The Turkish Ambassador focused particularly on the contribution of the Turkish community in Montenegro, as well as the Montenegrin diaspora in Turkey, which he described as "important links of friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples."

At the same time, the government's decision is also causing ripples within Montenegro. The mayor of Bar, Dusan Raicevic, publicly criticized the measure, calling it a "reckless action" that could hurt the local economy. Business organizations and local authorities are supporting the Turkish professionals who were affected, proposing financial incentives and support programs.

Podgorica claims that the visa reinstatement is temporary and aimed at enhancing security, but the reactions reveal that the issue has taken on a clearly political character. For its part, Ankara is maintaining a restrained stance, but points out that "misunderstandings and isolated incidents should not overshadow a decades-old relationship."

Analysts believe that the case constitutes a serious test for the stability of bilateral relations, at a time when Turkey is attempting to strengthen its presence in The Western balkans through economic, cultural and tourism cooperation networks.