Montenegro's membership in NATO contributed to the strengthening of our geopolitical position, but also to the improvement of democratization, the rule of law and the building of independent institutions, said the country's president, Jakov Milatović.
Milatović is on a working visit to the United States of America, during which today, as the youngest head of a member state of the Alliance, he opened the NATO Youth Summit in Miami.
"As the youngest president of a NATO member, I am proud to represent a new generation of politicians in the Western Balkans and Montenegro, a country that has made significant steps in democratic maturation," said Milatović, as announced by his cabinet.
He referred to the history and geopolitical influence of the Alliance, recalling that despite the challenges of the previous 75 years, it remained one of the most relevant organizations, and that in light of the increasing security challenges we face, its influence is more important today than ever.
The President of Montenegro pointed out that the importance of NATO is reflected not only for global security, but also for the response to hybrid threats and misinformation.
"Strengthening the credibility of NATO membership is one of the key priorities of Montenegro and is at the very top of my agenda. Montenegro's membership in NATO contributed to the strengthening of our geopolitical position, but also to the improvement of democratization, the rule of law and the building of independent institutions," said Milatović.
He added that the support of the member states is of great importance for the realization of other foreign policy priorities, the most important of which is Montenegro's accession to the European Union as soon as possible.
"In the past seven years, as a member of NATO, we have confirmed that unity and solidarity are the foundation of the Euro-Atlantic community. Also, we have shown that we are a stable and dedicated member of the Alliance," said Milatović.
He emphasized that Montenegro's membership in NATO directly contributes to the economy of Montenegro through the strengthening of economic stability, and thus the greater presence of foreign investments.
"Today, Montenegro is an increasingly attractive destination for tourists from developed Western countries," he said.
NATO Secretary General Jans Stoltenberg greeted Milatović in his opening address and thanked him for attending the event.
"NATO is facing many challenges today, and that is why it is important that the member states resist all threats and challenges together. Without common security, we will not even be able to face other challenges such as climate change, poverty and economic instability," said Stoltenberg.
He said that NATO is the strongest and most successful alliance in history, and that as such it contributes the most to global peace and security.
"This year's summit is organized on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO and is an excellent platform for the exchange of opinions on some of the most important global challenges, but also an opportunity for Montenegro to further affirm its membership and strengthen its credibility," concludes the announcement of Milatović's cabinet.
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