Defence Minister at Halifax forum: Montenegro committed to improving sustainability of implemented reforms

Podgorica, Montenegro (23 November 2014) -- Montenegro is determined to invest further efforts towards upgrading the sustainability of implemented reforms in order to be fully prepared for the invitation to join the NATO next year, Montenegro’s Minister of Defence Milica Pejanović Đurišić said in his address at the Halifax International Security Forum, which took place from 21-23 November 2014.

Taking part in the session on future of Europe, she stressed that the membership in NATO and EU are Montenegro’s foreign policy priorities and that the government is fully committed to these goals. In that respect, Ms Pejanović Đurišić noted that Montenegro's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance is a contribution to the lasting peace and stability in South Eastern Europe.

She also referred to regional cooperation, adding it is, besides the membership in the NATO and the EU, one of the foreign policy priorities of Montenegro, pointing out that the country is willing to support any initiative that aims to resolve outstanding issues between neighbours in a democratic manner with full respect for human rights and freedoms, and in collaboration with partners with whom we share common values.

This year's forum was dedicated to modern security challenges that know no national boundaries and equally affect all countries in the world, regardless of their size, political, military and economic power.

Since the Forum was attended by more than 300 representatives of governments, armed forces, universities, non-governmental organisations and media from over 60 countries, it was an opportunity to inform the participants about the results that Montenegro achieved in the field of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and implementation of reforms.

Halifax International Security Forum also sent a clear message that only accession to European and Euro-Atlantic structures can ensure long-term peace and stability in the Balkans.