Montenegro will continue to promote the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans, as the only guarantor of the region's prosperous future, said the Minister of Defense, Dragan Krapović.
As announced by that government department, Krapović participated in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in the format of defense ministers, which was held today in Brussels.
Krapović said that the allies must make additional efforts to ensure the continuation of the implementation of the initiated processes, especially considering the upcoming NATO Leaders' Summit in The Hague.
"Montenegro actively contributes to the positioning of the Alliance on the eastern flank through the continuous engagement of our members in battle groups in Latvia and Bulgaria," Krapović said.
He emphasized that Montenegro has been assisting that country since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, adding that this will continue in the coming period, in accordance with the needs and assessment of the situation on the ground.
"Since projecting stability is a very important element of preserving NATO security, the Army of Montenegro actively participates in international missions and operations," Krapović stated.
He emphasized that Montenegro, from its position, will continue to promote the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the region, as the only guarantor of a prosperous future.
The statement states that the defense ministers of NATO members discussed activities to improve the Alliance's overall collective defense system.
"They emphasized that full commitment is expected from Allies in order to implement complex tasks and processes in a timely manner in order to further strengthen deterrence and defense, and thereby strengthen the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area," the statement said.
It is added that, as one of the priorities, the full implementation of defense plans was highlighted, with the aim of the Alliance's efficiency in defending itself against increasingly complex security challenges.
"This also includes strengthening the command structure, as well as reaching the required level of force readiness," the statement said.
It is stated that the meeting was an opportunity to once again emphasize the necessity of increasing defense spending, so that the allies can successfully and promptly confront modern threats.
As announced by the Ministry of Defense, Krapović spoke on the sidelines of the meeting with the Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom, John Healy, as well as the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegsett.
It is stated that at a meeting with the Minister of Defense of Slovakia, Robert Kalinak, Krapović emphasized his readiness to strengthen defense cooperation with that country and emphasized his openness to considering additional activities and projects, through which members of the military will improve their capabilities and capacities.
Krapović pointed to Montenegro's foreign policy priorities, emphasizing credible membership in NATO, European integration, and strengthening regional cooperation.
"Montenegro remains strongly committed to the European path, as well as to providing an active contribution to the collective security system," Krapović emphasized.
Kalinak confirmed the aspiration to strengthen defense relations with Montenegro and emphasized that through the exchange of knowledge, experiences and information, mutual trust can be strengthened and modern security challenges can be more easily faced.
Kalinak emphasized that he appreciates the efforts that Montenegro is making to achieve full membership in the European Union (EU), emphasizing Slovakia's readiness to use its experience to help Montenegro in the key phase of integration.
As stated in the statement, Krapović, at a meeting with the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, emphasized that the opening of the Consulate of the Netherlands in Montenegro, as well as the Embassy of Montenegro in The Hague, testifies to the common aspiration to develop overall cooperation in numerous areas, among which the domain of defense occupies an important place.
Brekelmans emphasized that the Netherlands strongly supports Montenegro's aspirations for EU membership, adding that Montenegro will be able to count on that country's support in the coming period.
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