ISTANBUL

Türkiye is closely monitoring the situation in Montenegro following a series of "unfortunate developments" over the weekend that also affected Turkish nationals, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in an official statement released on Monday.

"In Montenegro last weekend, some unfortunate developments occurred that have also affected our citizens," the ministry said, adding that Ankara immediately engaged with authorities in Podgorica as the incidents unfolded.

"Contact was established with the Montenegrin authorities right after the events started, and necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of our citizens," the statement said.

The statement emphasized that Ankara is continuing to closely monitor the situation and maintain uninterrupted coordination with local authorities.

“Developments are being closely followed in all dimensions, and contact and coordination with the Montenegrin authorities are ongoing without interruption,” it noted.

High-level diplomatic contacts

According to ministry sources, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held telephone conversations with Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic.

During the calls, Fidan conveyed Ankara’s expectations for “necessary measures to be taken to ensure the safety and protection of the rights of Turkish citizens.”

Montenegrin officials provided assurances in response, the sources said.

Local media reports and visa update

Montenegrin media reports earlier claimed that a stabbing incident in Podgorica involved Turkish nationals.

Shortly afterward, Spajic announced on US social media company X that Montenegro had “temporarily suspended visa-free travel” for Turkish citizens.