Defence Minister Dusa: Romania pledges strong support to Montenegro's NATO bid

Bucharest, Romania (28 April 2015) – Montenegro Defence Minister Milica Pejanović Đurišić met in Bucharest with his Romanian counterpart Mircea Dusa.

She informed Minister Dusa about the reform Montenegro is implementing in the field of defence in the context of Euro-Atlantic accession, voicing hope that by the end of 2015, all the requirements will be met for receiving NATO entry invitation. She stressed the country’s commitment to implementing planned activities under the intensified and focused dialogue with NATO.

Minister Pejanović-Đurišić also thanked Romania for its continued support for Montenegro EU and NATO aspiration, emphasising its assistance in the field of staff training and development of the Armed Forces of Montenegro and the Ministry of Defence, thus improving the country's interoperability with NATO. She voiced belief that Romania will provide even more intensive support to Montenegro in achieving its strategic national priorities.

Romania Defence Minister Dusa commended Montenegro’s reforms towards achieving its strategic objectives, stressing importance of the participation of Montenegro’s military in international missions and operations, as confirmed by the engagement in Afghanistan. He noted that Montenegro's membership in NATO would further contribute to overall stabilisation of the situation in the region and pledges Romania’s full support in that regard.

During her visit to Bucharest, Minister Pejanović-Đurišić also met with Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu who reiterated his strong support for Montenegro’s NATO bid and stressed his country's willingness to keep this issue on NATO’s agenda.