Montenegro and France signed an intergovernmental agreement on defense cooperation

Montenegro has overcome the institutional crisis and will strive to speed up its European path, by reaching European standards in all areas, said Defense Minister Dragan Krapović, who spoke with his French colleague Sebastien Lecorni in Paris today.

The Ministry of Defense announced that the two discussed the modalities of further defense cooperation between the two countries, the global security situation and the importance of European integration of the Western Balkans for European stability.

The defense ministers of the two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement on defense cooperation.

Krapović emphasized the foreign policy priorities of the Government and thanked France for the continuous support it provides to Montenegro in achieving its foreign policy goals, among which European integration is an "absolute priority".

"He informed Lekorni that Montenegro has overcome the institutional crisis and will strive to speed up its European path, by reaching European standards in all areas. He emphasized the importance of the affirmative approach of the EU member states to the enlargement policy, that the European path of the Western Balkans has no alternative, but and that messages of encouragement for any progress achieved on this path must not be missing," the announcement states.

Krapović also informed Lekorni about the priorities of the Ministry of Defense regarding the fulfillment of obligations arising from credible membership in NATO and active contribution to international peace and stability. He especially emphasized that among the priorities is the modernization of the capacities of the Army of Montenegro and the strengthening of the capabilities of the members of the Army of Montenegro, through joint activities with allied countries.

He also informed Lekorni about the plans to strengthen the capacity and modernize the Navy of the Croatian Republic of Croatia, through the acquisition of new patrol ships.

He pointed out that the criteria defined by the general specification are mandatory, and expressed his satisfaction that he will have the opportunity to visit the "Kership" shipyard in Lorient, where he will learn about the shipyard's offer and the dynamics of vessel construction, and discuss possible arrangements for future cooperation.

"The Minister of the Army of France reminded that the countries of the Western Balkans are in the narrow sphere of political interest of the Republic of France, as evidenced by the French strategy for the Western Balkans, adopted with the aim of supporting and supplementing the EU's actions to bring the region closer to the European family. Lekorni emphasized that his country to continue to support Montenegro on its European path," the announcement states.

Along with the expressed willingness to strengthen defense cooperation with Montenegro in areas of mutual importance, he praised Montenegro's contribution to international peace and stability, emphasizing that this is the best way to prove credibility in the Alliance. He also emphasized that new security challenges require quick adaptation of NATO allies to collective defense plans, where Montenegro is also proving its maturity as an ally.

He expressed the expectation that the French shipyard "Kership" will fulfill the necessary criteria, which would create conditions for continued cooperation in that field between Montenegro and France and thus once again confirm the readiness to strengthen the strategic partnership.

"Krapović's visit was realized on the basis of the recently reached agreement between the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on the strategic partnership between Montenegro and the Republic of France, bearing in mind that defense relations are recognized as a very promising sphere of cooperation between the two countries," it concludes. in the announcement.

( BH )