Deputy Assistant Secretary General Jonathan Perish: Montenegro is credible partner of NATO

Podgorica, Montenegro (11 February 2014) – Defence Minister Milica Pejanović Đurišić met earlier today with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General Jonathan Parish and NATO Defence Policy and Planning Director Frank Boland, who are staying in Montenegro to prepare a report on the implementation of partnership goals for 2014.

Mr Parish commended cooperation with Montenegro’s Armed Forces and enriched level of its capacity, which makes it a credible NATO partner. He underlined that the Montenegrin army has already reached a significant level of interoperability with NATO allied armies, stressing the need to continue the reform process. NATO will continue supporting Montenegro, particularly in the year crucial for receiving the NATO membership invitation, Mr Parish emphasised.

Minister Pejanović-Đurišić highlighted Montenegro’s willingness to continue meeting standards for joining NATO security and defence system. Montenegro and its army will remain NATO’s credible partner, Minister Pejanović-Đurišić stressed, adding the country’s readiness to continue the reform process within the period of intensified and focused dialogue, as well as after receiving the membership invitation. She underlined that Montenegro’s engagement in international peace-keeping missions proves that it can contribute to international peace and security, as protection of human rights, democracy and freedom is a joint responsibility.

Following the implementation of various activities related to the improvement of defence system capacities, the officials agreed that NATO and Montenegro established very intensive and well planned communication and cooperation.