Mustafić wasinformed of the situation of emigrant groups in the area of Izmir, in several of local municipalities, where according to estimates, near one million descendant of emigrants from the Balkans live, mostly Bosniaks and Albanians, out of whom tens of thousands originate from Montenegro. Host of the visit in Izmir was AbdulahPepić who talked about the activities of these associations that tend to preserve, in a very long period of time, the cultural and linguistic identity of emigrants through mutual friendships, events, humanitarian activities and reconnecting with the homeland.

During a tour of the Aegean region, Vice President Mustafić met with emigrant associations in cities Ajvalik, Gomeč, KučukKojandTekirda, where mostly emigrants from Montenegro live in and who settled in those areas in the early 20th century, shortly after the Balkan Wars.

Mustafić visited the emigrants in the Istanbul municipalities Pendik and Ejup, in the Municipality of Bajram Pasha, visited newly opened building built by the local emigrants, within which there is a school,conference hall, gallery and exhibition space, ethno-museum and restaurant.

Vice President Mustafić expressed his appreciation for the very successful activities and organization of emigrants, all with the aim to preserve the identity, traditions and language.

"It is amazing how our emigrants, in very difficult circumstances, through several generations, managed to preserve their identity, and at the same time to make progress in the social and economic environment, becoming prominent citizens of todays advanced and prosperous Turkey. Your associations are good basis for keeping your identity, and at the same time the best way to communicate with the states of origin. Montenegro is becoming increasingly aware of the need and importance to promote cooperation with the emigrants, and in that way, the Law on Emigration is in preparation as well as fostering institutions that deal with these issues. We will try to promote and encourage cooperation fromthe parliamentary level and to strengthen mutual ties as well", said Mustafić.

Vice President Mustafićmet in Izmir with the Prime Minister of Turkey, RecepTayyipErdoğan, where a reception was organized for guests from several Balkan states, who were also visiting the local associations of emigrants. Mustafić stressed that relations between Montenegro and Turkey are very good, both in political and social and economic fields and thanked Erdogan for his personal contribution to fostering of these relations.

"In addition to the high level of political cooperation and active contacts of your businessmen and interest in investment, I particularly emphasize the support to various projects that have been implemented through the Government Agency TIKA, in different parts of Montenegro. Owing to that, numerous historic buildings have been renewed, hospitals equipped, as well as health centers and schools. The latest example is the opening of a multipurpose Islamic cultural center in Bar, which was largely supported by your Government agency "said Mustafić.

Prime Minister Erdogan stated that Turkey would like to strengthen friendly relations with Montenegro and with all the countries of the Balkans, andit expects that economic relations would befurther strengthenedand economic investmentincreased.