PM Luksic, NATO Secretary-General: Montenegro's future lies within EU and NATO

“We have shown in our past efforts that our intention to participate in NATO’s important activities suggests that Montenegro is ready, mature and responsible for complying with all the necessary tasks which are expected from a future member”, Prime Minister Igor Luksic has told the press conference following his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Fogh Rasmussen earlier today, during his first official visit to Brussels.

On this occasion he presented the NATO high-level official with the recently adopted Report on the Annual National Programme within the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP), which makes a strong case for the Governments dedication to contribute actively to global peace and security.

Prime Minister Luksic also underlined that he shared Mr Rasmussen’s view that Montenegro’s future lies within the European Union and NATO, as well as that NATO is a guarantor of peace and security in the region, stressing the need for communicating this message to Montenegrin people by presenting them all the benefits that Montenegro could have from the integration process in terms of economic progress, strengthening the rule of law and further institutional development. “Soon we will expand the communication strategy by opening NATO info-centres in Montenegro in cooperation with the NGOs, as we believe that the civil society could also play an important role in this particular initiative,” highlighted the PM.

He also pointed out the significance of Montenegro’s active participation in regional initiatives, especially its current presidency over the US-Adriatic Charter, describing it as an effective means of exchanging experiences and advancing cooperative mechanisms between small countries.

NATO Secretary-General Fogh Rasmussen thanked Montenegro for its contribution to the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. He described it as a “clear signal of commitment to Euro-Atlantic security,” sending out a message to Montenegrin people that NATO is a guarantor of peace and stability in the Balkans.

In today’s world, he said, security is globalised, as no country is able to provide security itself, adding that this kind of integration also “promotes economic progress, attracts investors and creates prosperity”.

“And these are the reasons why I believe that the future of Montenegro lies within NATO and we appreciate the cooperation we have had with Montenegro within the Membership Action Plan and look forward to continue that cooperation,” the NATO Secretary-General told the press.