DPM Lukšić attends sitting of NAC with NATO's operational partner nations in Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan

Antalya, Turkey (13 May 2015) -- Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Igor Lukšić participated today in a sitting of the North Atlantic Council with NATO's operational partner nations and potential operational partner nations in the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan at the level of foreign ministers. The meeting was chaired by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The debate commended the ISAF mission's successful transition to a non-combat, training,  advisory and assistance mission, as well as further steps towards assuming full responsibility for the security of the country by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). It was concluded that the continued presence of allies and partners is of hugeimportance for the future of Afghanistan, in order to assist faster democratic transition of the country. The meeting's participants reiterated willingness to provide financial contribution to strengthening the ANDSF for the period 2015 - 2017.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić welcomed the process of political transition and the reform process continuation in Afghanistan, pointing out that, despite current challenges, the process of institutional change continues in a positive direction. He said that another contingent of Montenegrin soldiers has been deployed in the Regional Command North under the command of German army and that Montenegro is ready to continue making a contribution to joint efforts in Afghanistan, both in national capacity, as well as through regional engagement within the US-Adriatic Charter (A5). He also voiced hope that Montenegro will continue its involvement in Afghanistan as a future NATO state.