Montenegro needs to raise awareness of NATO membership benefits, member state ambassadors note

Podgorica, Montenegro (7 November 2011) – Montenegro has developed a solid track record and confirmed its dedication to EU and NATO membership. Still, it is necessary to undertake additional efforts to raise the awareness of the importance and benefits of joining the Alliance, NATO member states' ambassadors in Montenegro underlined at a meeting with Prime Minister Igor Lukšić, sponsored by Vladimir Gasparič, Ambassador of Slovenia, Montenegro’s current contact country for NATO.

The Prime Minister recalled of the overall reform efforts that have been pursued in last eleven months with the aim of meeting EU and NATO accession agenda, underlining the crucial importance of these organisations' support for further achievements. “We do not carry out reforms for European Commission’s sake and we are not burdened with dates, our primarily objective is to make Montenegro’s institutions and society more mature and improve the standard of living of our citizens,” he stressed.