ASTANA – President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović called on Kazakh students to take an active role in public life and become agents of change in a rapidly changing world during a June 20 meeting as part of his first official visit to Kazakhstan. Jakov Milatović.
Photo credit: The Astana Times/ Nargiz Raimbekova Speaking at the Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana, Milatović recognized Kazakhstan as a political and economic power in Central Asia, commending its multi-vector foreign policy. He also said “despite differences in geography and in size,” Kazakhstan and Montenegro are “united by remarkably similar challenges, aspirations and ambitions for the future.” “We share far more than common challenges.
We share a tradition of hospitality deeply rooted in our cultures and our people. Forged across the vast Kazakh steppes and the rugged landscape of Montenegrin barren crust,” he said. Milatović underlined the importance of balancing energy and experience in public leadership.
Photo credit: The Astana Times/ Nargiz Raimbekova Milatović also drew parallels between the two countries’ historical pathways to independence that demonstrated the “road to self-determination is rarely an easy one.” “But that the pursuit of freedom and the right to chart one’s own destiny are causes worthy of every sacrifice.
Reminding us that freedom is never merely inherited. It is earned, safeguarded and entrusted to those who come after us,” Milatović said. “Today’s international order is marked by growing fragmentation, the weakening of multilateralism and the return of power politics.
In many ways, the world is entering a new great game. But this time, let our countries be among its players. Let us not merely adapt to the changes around us, but help shape them. Together, let us build a world that is more just, more prosperous and more secure,” he said.
Milatović also discussed Montenegro’s goal to become EU’s next member, a target set to be reached by 2028. “Our goal is very clear: to become the 28th member state of the EU by 2028. Thus demonstrating that the enlargement policy of the European Union is alive, is credible and that it still has transformative force,” he said.
Speaking about the future of the United Nations, Milatović said its efficiency is questioned by growing divisions among five permanent members of the Security Council and urged broader representation of voices on the table. Milatović prioritized structural economic transformation and fair labor market practices to address brain drain and youth migration.