Montenegro, as a credible member of NATO, remains firmly committed to the values and goals of the Alliance, through active participation in missions, implementation of policies, and promotion of peace, dialogue, and cooperation.
This was stated by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, who met today with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska.
As announced by the President's Office, Milatović pointed out that Montenegro has begun the largest modernization of its military since the restoration of independence, with more than 30 percent of the defense budget in 2024 allocated for modernization, and over two percent of the defense budget allocations planned for this year.
Milatović stressed that the continuity of visits by senior NATO officials to the region, as well as the intensification of political dialogue, are crucial for the stability of the Western Balkans. He welcomed the recent visit of Secretary General Mark Rutte to the region, with the expectation that he will soon visit Montenegro.
It was also announced that Milatović said that the appointment of Šekerinska to a high position within the Alliance represents further confirmation of the importance of the region for the stability and security of Europe as a whole.
"The European and Euro-Atlantic orientation of the region must be further encouraged. In this context, strong and continuous support from NATO and the EU to the reform process, regional security and overall development is crucial for the resilience and progress of the Western Balkan countries. The Alliance has made a significant contribution to stability and reforms in the region through its operational engagement and open door policy," said Milatović.
He reiterated that Montenegro supports a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Ukraine and welcomed the initiatives leading to the launch of negotiations, including the efforts of American and European allies.
Milatović recalled that Montenegro supports all NATO measures to protect allies and strengthen the policy of deterrence and defense on the eastern flank. It was emphasized that Montenegro continuously contributes to the battle groups in the east, through the presence of members of the Montenegrin Army in Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania.
The two officials met ahead of the NATO Youth Summit in Budva, which is being organized in Montenegro for the first time at the initiative of Milatović.
Sekerinska, the statement reads, said that the Alliance values the role that Montenegro plays in the region and that holding the NATO Youth Summit in our country is a success for both the country and the Alliance. She added that Montenegro hosting the event is a clear message that this region is important for NATO.
The summit, which brings together more than 400 participants from member states and partner countries, represents an important platform for strengthening NATO's visibility among young people.
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