Montenegro is recognized as a credible ally that dedicatedly implements tasks from the NATO agenda, said Steven Covington, advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) for strategic and international relations.
During his official visit to Montenegro, Covington spoke today with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Marko Marković.
As announced by the Ministry, Covington said that he was satisfied with the opportunity to exchange opinions with Marković on the key tasks that the allies are carrying out in terms of strengthening collective defense.
"He pointed out that Montenegro is recognized as a credible ally that dedicatedly implements tasks from the NATO agenda, and thanks to which we will make the Alliance strong and ready to respond to all the challenges of the modern security environment," the statement said.
Marković pointed out that the Allied Operations Command (ACO) is the primary bearer of strengthening the process of deterrence and defense of the Alliance.
He emphasized that it is important to adopt the NATO defense plans, which will enable the Alliance to be ready and able to effectively respond to all potential challenges, regardless of the nature and direction of their actions.
"Marković said that Montenegro has resolutely approached the implementation of all the planned tasks, aware that only with joint efforts can the ambitious agenda of NATO be implemented in a timely manner and, in this way, continuously strengthen the system of collective security", the announcement says.
According to Marković, the fact that Montenegro allocates 2,02 percent of the gross domestic product for defense this year proves that reliable membership in the Alliance is a priority for Montenegro.
Speaking about the security situation in the region, Marković said that Montenegro is strongly advocating for the full integration of the countries of the Western Balkans into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, since this is the only way to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in these areas.
Covington, as announced, held lectures at the Ministry of Defense and at the Faculty of Political Sciences, thereby contributing to raising the level of information about the main NATO policies, as well as the current process of military transformation of the Alliance.
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