North Atlantic Treaty Organization
October 16, 2013
NATO Secretary General praises Montenegro’s reform efforts
The President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic visited the NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (16 October) and met with Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. They discussed progress in Montenegro’s reform agenda and the growing cooperation between NATO and Montenegro. The NATO Secretary General commended Montengro’s continued reform efforts on the way to Euro-Atlantic integration.
“It is important to maintain the momentum of reforms, even at a time of economic difficulties”, the Secretary General said. “So I encourage you to continue working on the challenges that we have identified together in the Membership Action Plan. Reinforcing the rule of law, fighting corruption and organised crime, finding the resources to modernise your armed forces, and explaining to your public the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration”.
During the meeting, the NATO Secretary General and President Vujanovic also discussed NATO’s security agenda and the Alliance’s mission in Afghanistan.
“We are grateful for Montenegro’s significant contribution, and for your pledge to help the Afghan security forces both financially and through the training mission that we are planning after 2014”, the Secretary General noted. And he added: “Montenegrin forces are offering force protection to our trainers in Mazar-e-Sharif. And together with other Adriatic nations, you successfully transitioned the programme of training for the Afghan Military Police in Kabul. You have worked closely with countries from your region to build stability in Afghanistan – and strengthen cooperation among yourselves.”
The Secretary General also praised Montenegro’s active contribution to cooperation and security in the Western Balkans.
“NATO’s commitment to the region is strong”, he said. “We see your future in the Euro-Atlantic family and we are determined to help you along that path.”
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