Vice Admiral Samardzic at the State Partnership Program Conference 2011

Chief of General Staff of the Montenegrin Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Dragan Samardzic is attending the annual State Partnership Program Conference 2011, hosted by Garmisch-Partenkirchen from August 17 to 18.

The conference titled “International Humanitarian Assistance in Overcoming Crisis Consequences” is held under the auspices of the United States European Command EUCOM and National Guard Bureau.

Vice Admiral Samardzic during his visit met with Admiral James G. Stavridis, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander to discuss military cooperation issues.

He spoke with Admiral Stavridis about current events in the process of defence reform in Montenegro, activities related to the continuing participation of Montenegrin soldiers in the ISAF mission, as well as about the priorities and challenges of Montenegro on its road to NATO.

Admiral Stavridis expressed his satisfaction with the implemented reforms and the progress of Montenegro in the defence field, adding that NATO and the United States highly appreciate the contribution of Montenegro to the ISAF mission. He stressed the importance of additional engagement of Montenegro in sending a mentoring team to ANA Military Police School in Kabul together with other A5 Initiative countries. He added that Montenegro, especially after the success of the first ANP activities implemented, is surely moving the right way toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

EUCOM and NATO will continue to provide full support and assistance to Montenegro in its Euro-Atlantic road, Admiral Stavridis said, and he wished a successful continuation of reforms and a successful participation of Montenegrin soldiers in peacekeeping missions.