Malignant foreign influence is not only a problem for Montenegro, but also for the wider Euro-Atlantic area, said Czech President Petr Pavel.
Today, he visited the Atlantic Alliance of Montenegro, where he spoke with the president of that institution, Sava Kenter.
The Atlantic Alliance announced that Pavel was briefed on the activities of the Digital Forensics Center (DFC) in "the fight against malign foreign influence and hybrid threats that threaten the stability of our country and the region."
"During the conversation, emphasis was placed on the necessity of an urgent response to coordinated campaigns from outside, primarily from Russia and through local proxies in Montenegro, which aim to destabilize the Western Balkans. It was concluded that these activities are sophisticated, orchestrated and led by actors whose ultimate goal is to undermine trust in democratic institutions and paralyze European processes," the statement reads.
Pavel said that Montenegro must remain a credible member of NATO.
"President Pavel said that malign foreign influence is not only a problem for Montenegro, but also for the wider Euro-Atlantic space. Successfully combating these threats requires decisive action, coordination and clear political will from allies, and Montenegro must remain a credible member of NATO because membership in the Alliance is one of the guarantors of stability in the Western Balkans. In addition, he said, Montenegro should view accession to the European Union as a unifying national goal in order to successfully overcome the challenges along the way," it added.
Kentera pointed out that Montenegro is going through a period in which "malignant foreign influences are more intense than ever", which requires the full support of international partners and the determination of domestic institutions. "The support of the Czech Republic confirms not only solidarity, but also a common awareness of the danger that threatens not only Montenegro, but also the entire region", he said, because the task of the Atlantic Alliance of Montenegro "is not only reaction but also proactive action to prevent threats and preserve the European future of the region".
"The Atlantic Alliance of Montenegro reiterated its commitment to promoting Euro-Atlantic values, improving regional cooperation, and intensifying the fight against malign foreign influences through innovative approaches and analytical work," the statement reads.
This meeting was organized as part of the official visit of the Czech delegation led by President Pavel to Montenegro.
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