Krapović: Montenegro continues to strengthen its defense capacities and confirms its status as a credible ally

Montenegro will continue to strengthen its defense capacities and confirm its status as a credible ally through investments in the modernization of the Army and participation in NATO missions, said Defense Minister Dragan Krapović.

He met today with the commander of the Joint Forces Command in Naples, George Wyckoff.

As announced by the Ministry of Defense, during the meeting the interlocutors exchanged opinions on the current security situation, as well as the results that Montenegro has achieved in terms of fulfilling tasks on the NATO agenda and strengthening defense capabilities.

Krapović, it is reported, thanked the Command in Naples for the continuous support it provides to Montenegro in the development of national defense capacities.

"He emphasized that Montenegro will continue to confirm its status as a credible ally by making a concrete contribution to strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defense posture through participation in NATO missions, operations and activities."

As Krapović said, the KFOR mission, which is under the operational command of JFC Naples, is very important for stability both in Kosovo and in the Western Balkans.

He added that Montenegro will provide the necessary financial framework for ambitious plans in the field of strengthening defense capacities, in accordance with the decisions of the NATO Summit in The Hague.

Krapović pointed out that last year 2,05 percent of the gross domestic product was spent on defense, and that the plan is for this year that percentage to be 2,2 percent.

He emphasized that the modernization of military and defense capacities is the focus of the department he heads, which is confirmed by the fact that 42,83 percent of the defense budget was allocated for that purpose last year, and that this percentage is expected to be even higher this year.

Wyckoff, as announced, emphasized the importance of intensive cooperation with Montenegro, stating that it was additionally confirmed by the long-term engagement of members of the Army of Montenegro (AVCG) in staff positions within the Command.

Wejkoff also met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, Miodrag Vuksanović.

The Ministry of Defense said that during the talks, the importance of further improving the interoperability and operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Montenegro in accordance with NATO standards was emphasized, as well as the importance of intensifying joint training and exercises with allied forces.

Vuksanović emphasized that the Armed Forces of Montenegro remain strongly committed to fulfilling the obligations arising from NATO membership, through continuous strengthening of professional capacities, modernization of capabilities and active participation in Alliance missions, operations and activities.

He emphasized that the Armed Forces of Montenegro continue to develop capabilities that contribute to strengthening collective defense, regional stability and an effective response to modern security challenges.

He said that cooperation with the Joint Forces Command in Naples represents an important pillar in the further development of the command and operational capacities of the VCG Army of Montenegro, as well as additional confirmation of its credible contribution to the collective security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area.