Defence Minister Pejanović-Đurišić talks to Commander of JFC Naples, Admiral Mark Ferguson

Podgorica, Montenegro (26 May 2015) – Montenegro's Defence Minister Milica Pejanović-Đurišić met earlier today with Commander of Allied Joint Force Command, Naples, Italy, Admiral Mark Ferguson.

Minister Pejanovic-Đurišić informed Admiral Ferguson about the results achieved in the process of defence reform and reorganisation of the Armed Forces of Montenegro. She stressed that Montenegro will continue implementing reforms and boosting military and defence capacity, in light of the expected invitation for NATO membership by the end of the year. She voiced confidence that Montenegro's membership in the Alliance will contribute to further stabilisation of the Western Balkans, stressing the significance of the cooperation with the NATO command in Naples.

Admiral Ferguson commended the Montenegros progress made on its path towards European and Euro-Atlantic accession, and voiced the JFC Naples’ willingness to enhance cooperation with Montenegro in terms of improving capacity of the Armed Forces of Montenegro.

Admiral Ferguson will participate in the 9th Balkan Countries Chiefs of Defence Conference, which will be held in Budva on 27 May 2015.

The meeting was attended by US Ambassador Margaret Uyehara, who pledged the USA’S full support to Montenegro's Euro-Atlantic bid.