Meeting with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee

The Minister of Defence of Montenegro Prof Milica Pejanović-Đurišić, PhD met today the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee General Knud Bartels within the official visit to Montenegro. During the meeting, the Minister of Defence informed the distinguished guest about the results accomplished within the defence system reforms and plans for the following period. She particularly emphasized the progress concerning application of NATO standards regarding the AF MNE development and participation in ISAF operation and other peace-keeping missions in the world. The Minister of Defence also commented on the outcomes from the previous NATO Summit in Wales, where the Montenegrin results have been clearly recognized in the reform processes within the defence sector and by which Montenegro demonstrates the seriousness and commitment to Euro-Atlantic integrations as a strategic national objective. Within this context, she welcomed establishing of more intensified and focused dialogue between the NATO and Montenegro and expressed confidence that the Ministry of Defence will continue the implementation of harmonized objectives and activities on a quality and sustainable manner.

General Bartels highly rated the reforms which Montenegro has been implementing in the defence sector and expressed special gratitude for our participation in the international missions and the ISAF operation. Additionally, he emphasized that the cooperation between the NATO and Montenegro has been exceptionally good; which especially refers to the cooperation in the military field which has been realized through several programs. He is convinced that the visit of the NATO Military Committee will be a great opportunity to immediately assess the accomplished, as well as the plans for further development of the Armed Forces of Montenegro.

Within the official visit to Montenegro, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Bartels met the Chief of AF MNE Admiral Samardžić as well. The Admiral introduced him with the progress concerning the establishing of military capabilities and plans for modernization of Armed Forces of Montenegro. He pointed out the outstanding importance of application of NATO concepts and programs for further development of AF MNE and improvement of its interoperability. He mentioned our previous engagement in Afghanistan and informed his guest with the plans for continued participation of AF MNE in the mission after 2014. He stressed the importance of participation in NATO exercises as a best way of practical cooperation which provided the knowledge and skills for AF members. He expressed his assurance that, in the period of more intensified and focused dialogue, the NATO will continue to provide support to Montenegro on its way of building contemporary and credible armed forces.

General Bartels expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit Montenegro and the possibility providing the NATO members to be better acquainted with the reform processes and plans for realization of Armed Forces of Montenegro development. He estimated that the Montenegro has been the confident partner in NATO operations and comprehensive military cooperation. He pointed out that it has been necessary to intensify the cooperation in the fields which have been crucial for achieving standards of a new NATO member. He confirmed the full commitment of NATO Military Committee to Montenegro and its intention to accomplish the planned goals. General Bartels said that on maritime security and environmental protection Montenegro and NATO Allies are already closely engaged in the regional maritime security architecture. This is also of benefit to Montenegro being a Mediterranean country with maritime economic interests and maritime infrastructure.

During the first day of visit, the exercise “Demonstration of capabilities of units of the Armed Forces of Montenegro” was performed for the representatives of the NATO Military Committee, in the military base “Milovan Šaranović” in Danilovgrad.   

Meeting with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee

The exercise “Demonstration of capabilities of units of the Armed Forces of Montenegro”