Montenegro's Defence Minister visits Paris: France supports Montenegro's efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration

Paris, France (10 May 2014) – Montenegrin Defence Minister Milica Pejanović Đurišić met yesterday in Paris with her French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss current political and security issues in Europe, with an particular emphasis on the crisis in Ukraine.

Minister Pejanović Đurišić informed Minister Le Drian about reforms which Montenegro has implemented so far following its Euro-Atlantic path and she voiced positive expectations regarding the coming NATO Summit. The invitation for NATO membership is important not only for Montenegro, but for the entire region of the Western Balkans, Minister Pejanović Đurišić stressed.

Minister Le Drian commended Montenegro for its contribution to the collective security system, particularly for its involvement in international peace-keeping missions. He also welcomed the decision made by the Montenegrin Parliament which has approved the participation of the Montenegrin Armed Forces in the EU missions in Mali and Central African Republic.

France will continue to support Montenegro towards its European and Euro-Atlantic accession, Minister Le Drian highlighted, adding that considering NATO open door policy, Montenegro represents the most serious candidate to become a full-fledged member of the Alliance.

The two officials signed on Friday the technical agreement on defence cooperation in order to strengthen and improve joint activities of the two armed forces and ministries.