North Atlantic Council: Montenegro makes tangible results in previous MAP cycle

Brussels, Belgium (10 July 2013) -- At today's meeting between the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and Montenegro in Brussels, Montenegro's Defence and Foreign Ministers, Milica Pejanović-Đurišić and Igor Lukšić, briefed the NAC on the progress Montenegro reached in the context of the implementation of the Third Annual National Programme of Montenegro (ANP), which ended the implementation of the third cycle of the Membership Action Plan (MAP). They also presented plans for future fulfillment of obligations that Montenegro faces in the integration process, with special emphasis on activities that the country has been taking regarding the key reform areas of defense and security, strengthening the rule of law and public support.

NATO representatives assessed that Montenegro has been recognised as a constructive actor and a factor of stability at the regional level and encouraged further reform in achieving the NATO membership standards. It was noted that the third cycle of MAP showed continuity in reforms in key areas and that Montenegro made tangible progress. NATO representatives praised Montenegro's contribution to global efforts in maintaining peace and stability by participating in the ISAF mission and confirmed the NATO's willingness to continue its open-door policy, emphasising the need to fulfill the necessary conditions for membership.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Ministers Lukšić and Pejanović-Đurišić met with NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow. The meeting voiced support for further NATO enlargement policy and Euro-Atlantic perspective based on individual approach to the assessment of readiness for membership.