Kalezić: NATO membership is a key achievement for Montenegro after regaining independence

NATO membership is a key achievement for Montenegro after regaining independence, said Montenegrin Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Milena Kalezić, emphasizing that the next goal is to achieve the country's ambition to become a member of the European Union (EU) by 2028.

The Permanent Mission of Montenegro to NATO, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a reception on Friday, at the Alliance headquarters, to mark 20 years since the restoration of Montenegrin independence and nine years since the country joined NATO.

Kalezić pointed out that Montenegro restored its independence in 2006 and confirmed its millennial tradition of statehood, stating that May 21st represented the beginning of building a modern, democratic and responsible state, dedicated to the European and Euro-Atlantic path.

She said that Montenegro's accession to NATO on June 5, 2017, marked a significant milestone for the country, and that the raising of the Montenegrin flag in front of the Alliance's headquarters remains a lasting symbol of membership and the responsibility that the Alliance entails.

"For Montenegro, NATO membership is more than a guarantee of security. Our place in the Alliance confirms our membership in the community of states that defend freedom, democracy and the rule of law," said Kalezić.

She pointed out that the war in Ukraine was a reminder that peace is not guaranteed, and that in a time of serious security challenges in Europe, transatlantic unity becomes more important than ever.

Kalezić emphasized that Montenegro remains strongly committed to stability in the Western Balkans - a region of strategic importance for European and Euro-Atlantic security, and that dialogue, cooperation and a European perspective remain the best response to the challenges facing the region.

She recalled that after regaining independence, NATO membership is a key achievement, and that the next goal is to achieve Montenegro's ambition to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028.

Kalezić emphasized that it is no coincidence that the leaders of the EU and the Western Balkans gathered in Montenegro on the same day as we celebrate nine years of NATO membership, emphasizing that this symbolism reflects the continuity of strategic direction and serves as a reminder of our clear place in the European and Euro-Atlantic family.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska stressed that Montenegro's contribution to NATO is highly appreciated, which was also the message of Secretary General Mark Rutte during his recent visit to the country.

She emphasized that the restoration of independence and NATO membership were key achievements, and that Montenegro's accession to the Alliance during that period was an inspiration for North Macedonia.

Šekerinska recalled that strategic choices have been made in the past 20 years that have encouraged each other and wished Montenegro, as a leader on the European path, to continue to inspire other countries in the region.

The reception in Brussels was also attended by ambassadors of member states and partner countries, military representatives and numerous diplomats.