Montenegrin president discusses integrating Port of Bar into Middle Corridor route in Kazakhstan
During Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović's visit to Kazakhstan, the two sides explored integrating the Adriatic port of Bar into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), known as the Middle Corridor.
Montenegrin 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 Kazakhstan's role as a logistical hub between Europe and Asia. Kazakhstan 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).
Milatović's trip 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 towards EU accession, a goal Montenegro hopes to achieve by 2028. Both leaders noted that Montenegro's eventual EU membership could create new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
Milatović stressed the growing importance of Central Asia in Montenegro's foreign policy and announced plans to open a Montenegrin diplomatic mission in Astana to represent the country's interests across Central Asia. Kazakhstan has maintained a Consulate General in Podgorica since 2024.
The delegation also explored cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, digitalisation and agriculture. Both sides acknowledged that current trade volumes remain well below potential. Between January and April, bilateral trade totalled €226,700, 81% less than the same period a year earlier. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries' Chambers of Commerce.
Digital transformation was another area of interest. Around 90% of all services in Kazakhstan can be acquired online, and Astana places great importance on AI development. Tourism is playing an increasingly important role in bilateral relations. The number of Kazakh visitors to Montenegro has grown steadily since direct flights began in 2021. Kazakh citizens can also enter Montenegro visa-free for up to 30 days between May and October.
