On March 5, the 1st meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation between Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Government of the Republic of Montenegro was held in Podgorica. The commission co-chaired by Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev (from Azerbaijani side) and Minister of Economy Vladimir Kavarich (from Montenegro side) was attended by high ranking officials of both countries.
Addressing the event, the Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev highlighted the enhancement of relations based on the principles of mutual respect and reliable partnership between Azerbaijan and Montenegro. The reciprocal visits by heads of state and the negotiations play a major role in the development of political and economic relations between the two countries. He underlined the role of reciprocal visits of the heads of the state and negotiations in strengthening the political and economic ties. The establishment of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Montenegro in 2013 is an indication of the importance of the cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister noted that several works were done; agreements on economy, investment promotion, tourism, culture were signed on extension of contractual and legal base. Moreover, in 2013, Azerbaijan and Montenegro signed declaration on friendship relations and partnership, as well as contracts on international freight, elimination of double-taxation on incomes and property. Last year a mutual memorandum of understanding on construction of Trans-Adriatic and Ion-Adriatic gas lines were signed among Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as a memorandum of understanding on South Gas Corridor and South-East European Corridor projects were signed among Azerbaijan, Albania, Croatia and Montenegro. Draft contracts on agriculture, protection of environment and emergency situations will be signed.
It was noted that in 2012-2013cancellation of visa regime by Montenegro, charter flights had positive impact on tourism links between these countries.
With regard to cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, Center for Cultural and Economic Relations of - "AzMont" was formed in Montenegro. This centre also performs the function of representation of Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AzPROMO). The book about National Leader Heydar Aliyev was published in Montenegro. Prominent Azerbaijani playwright Huseyn Javid's bust was erected in the historical Kings Park and the "Baku" street in the city center was opened in Podgorica in 2013.
The Minister Shahin Mustafayev emphasized the importance of enhancement of the legal framework, regular meetings and negotiations among government agencies, the development of the relations among businessmen and organization of business forums and meetings for the successful continuation of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Montenegro.
In turn, Minister of Economy Vladimir Kavarich said his country is interested in extension of relations with Azerbaijan.
The Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Minister Vladimir Kavarich signed a protocol on results of the first meeting of Montenegro-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission on Economic Cooperation at the end of the meeting. The document envisages extension of contractual and legal base, industry, energy, agriculture, tourism, transport, education, protection of environment, banking, communication and other spheres.
Within the framework of visit of delegating led by Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy Shahin Mustafayev to Montenegro, Azerbaijan-Montenegro business forum has been held in Podgorica under the support of Montenegro Chamber of Economy and Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO). Nearly 100 businessmen (nearly 30 Azerbaijani companies from food industry, agriculture, construction, energy, tourism, ICT and etc.) attended the event.
The Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev underlined role of private sector in extension of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Montenegro. He noted that currently, several investment projects are being considered and successful implementation of these projects will serve to development of the relations between two countries.
Economic Minister of Montenegro Vladimir Kavarich Vice President of Montenegro Economic Chamber Ivan Savelyich gave information about their country's economy, measures taken for extension of relations among businessmen.
Furthermore, the representative of the Chamber of Economy made presentation on economic potential and investment climate of Montenegro, the President of AZPROMO Rufat Mammadov on business and investment opportunities of Azerbaijan, the representatives of a number of companies of Montenegro about their companies.
Thereafter, Montenegrin Investment Promotion Agency (MIPA) and AZPROMO signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between organizations.
The business forum was followed by the bilateral meetings.
During the visit the Ministry of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev was received by President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović. The Azerbaijani delegation also met Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Đukanović, Parliament Speaker Ranko Krivokapić, Minister of Economy Vladimir Kavarić and Finance Minister Radoe Jugic. The meetings focused on economic ties between Azerbaijan and Montenegro and expansion of cooperation.
The Ministry of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev along with Prime Minister Milo Đukanović attended the ceremony on launching the Portonovi tourism project in Kumbor.
The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the monument erected to famous playwright Huseyn Javid in the Kings Park.