Montenegro achieves significant progress in implementing MAP, North Atlantic Council of NATO concludes

Podgorica, Montenegro (28 June 2012) -- The meeting between NATO and Montenegro's officials discussing the second report on the implementation of measures under the Membership Action Plan (MAP) was held in Brussels on Wednesday.

Considering the report on Montenegro's progress in implementing MAP, the NATO member states assessed that Montenegro has developed a solid track record in all areas within the Annual National Programme and encouraged it to continue to conduct reforms necessary to progress towards full-fledged NATO membership. In the light of the recent NATO Summit in Chicago, the member states reiterated their commitment to the Open Door Policy and to the assessment of progress based on individual achievements.

The discussion, attended by 17 NATO member states, in particular highlighted Montenegro’s active role in the region and globally, its engagement in ISAF mission, as well as its decision to contribute to the sustainability of the Afghan National Security Forces after the NATO-led mission is completed in 2014.

All the member states welcomed the Council of the European Union’s decision to open accession talks with Montenegro and emphasised the complementarity of European and Euro—Atlantic integration.

In its first address to the North Atlantic Council of NATO, Defence Minister Milica Pejanović – Đurišić said that Montenegro’s top priorities remain further implementation of NATO standards, continued participation in NATO, EU and UN – led operations, destruction of surplus weapons and ammunition, participation in current and future projects within the “Smart Defence” concept, and the integrated approach in addressing the issue of air and sea control.

She also noted that the representatives of the Defence Ministry and Armed Forces of Montenegro take part in numerous NATO activities, thus making significant contribution to the implementation of the Partner Goals.

The Defence Minister thanked the Alliance for its overall support to Montenegro in fullfiling its obligations under the Membership Action Plan.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen also expressed its full support to Montenegro during his meeting with Montenegro’s defence and foreign ministers yesterday in Brussels.