US Defence Secretary: Pentagon continues to support Montenegro defence reform

Podgorica, Montenegro (8 September 2012) – During her visit to the Pentagon, Defence Minister Milica Pejanović – Đurišić met with US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta.

The Defence Secretary said the United States highly appreciates Montenegro's constructive role in the region, as well as its contribution to the global fight against terrorism, in particular its participation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. This confirms that Montenegro is a reliable partner, he added, that has been conducting reforms successfully on its path towards NATO membership. He also pointed out that the Pentagon is committed to carry on its support for Montenegro's defence sector through the continuation of joint training programmes, education and modernisation of the Montenegrin Armed Forces.

Minister Pejanović - Đurišić emphasised the significance of US support and assistance in building capacities of the Defence Ministry and Armed Forces of Montenegro. She reiterated Montenegro's commitment to participate actively in the regional initiatives, which is the best way of implementing the concept of “smart defence”. She also thanked the US Defence Secretary for the expert assistance in planning, defining and harmonising Montenegro's defence system with the NATO standards.

The two defence officials agreed that the current bilateral cooperation has been very constructive and high quality, adding that an increasing number of joint activities additionally confirms the excellent collaboration. It was noted that the US defence advisor that is to be sent to Montenegro will make a contribution to highly demanding coordination of the plans ahead.

Minister Pejanović- Đurišić also met with newly appointed Chief of the US National Guard Bureau, General Frank J. Grass. The State Partnership Programme (SPP), that Montenegro has been implementing for 5 years, and supported by the US National Guard, is of paramount importance for the advancement of the tasks and obligations of its Armed Forces, the two officials highlighted. They added that the cooperation with the National Guard of the state of Maine is also very important for the overall relations in the area of defence.