Italian Defence Minister: Montenegro's integration to NATO significant for region, Italy and alliance

Podgorica, Montenegro (24 September 2014) -- Montenegro and Italy have great potential for deepening economic relations, which are the foundation of bilateral relations, Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Đukanović and Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti pointed out at today’s meeting in Podgorica.

Prime Minister Đukanović thanked the Italian Government for its support and cooperation in the process of achieving Montenegro’s strategic goal – the accession to the NATO, emphasising the country’s determination to try its best, through holding an intensified and focused dialogue, in order to be invited to join the Alliance next year. In that context, he stressed the importance of preserving integration enthusiasm for the stability of the entire region of the Western Balkans.

Minister Pinotti reiterated the strong support of Italy for Montenegro's NATO bid, and welcomed the results achieved to date. Apart from being a top priority for Montenegro, the NATO integration is of significance for the entire region, Italy and the Alliance as well, she noted.