Credible membership in NATO, accession to the European Union (EU) and strengthening good neighborly relations are the focus of the Government, and any progress in this area contributes to the prosperity and stability of Montenegro and the region, said Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović.
He said this at a meeting with Canadian Ambassador to Montenegro Michelle Cameron, who visited the Ministry of Defense.
Krapović, as announced by the Ministry of Defense, informed Cameron about the Government's foreign policy priorities, as well as the priorities of the defense sector.
"He emphasized that credible NATO membership, full EU membership and strengthening good neighborly relations are the focus of the current Government and that any progress in this area contributes to the prosperity and stability of Montenegro, as well as the entire region," the statement said.
It is stated that the meeting discussed new geopolitical circumstances, which require increased investment in defense.
Krapović informed Cameron about the planned defense budget for the current year, emphasizing that the modernization of the capacities of the Montenegrin Army is high on the list of priorities of the Ministry of Defense.
He pointed out the importance of cooperation with Canada in the process of modernizing aviation capacities.
Krapović emphasized that it is important to continue the joint contribution to strengthening the eastern wing of the Alliance, through the engagement of members of the defense forces in the battle group in Latvia.
Cameron said that integrated allied action must be imperative, when the system of maintaining peace and security is being undermined by a series of growing security challenges.
She stated that she is pleased that Montenegro is committed to respecting democratic values, promoting peace and actively contributing to the collective security system.
Cameron said that Canada will continue to support pro-European Montenegro.
"The interlocutors said they are ready to continue quality relations in the field of defense, as well as to identify new modalities of cooperation of mutual interest," the statement said.
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