Defence Minister Pejanović-Đurišić at 2BS Forum: NATO membership guarantee for preserving fundamental values of Montenegrin society

Budva, Montenegro (5 June 2015) – On the sidelines of the 2BS Forum, Minister of Defence Milica Pejanović-Đurišić met with Hoyt Brian Yee, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Euro – Atlantic Affairs andTamar Beruchashvilli, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

Minister Pejanović-Đurišić informed Mr Yee about the results regarding the security system reform process and current situation and dynamics of the intensified and focused dialogue with NATO. She highlighted that Montenegro’s membership to NATO is the best guarantee for perserving fundamental values of the Montenegrin society and creating preconditions for further development. Montenegro will continue making efforts towards implementing the necessary requirements, Minister Pejanović-Đurišić underlined, adding that the state is a large contributor to regional stability.

Mr Hoyt Yee stressed that Montenegro has made great progress towards the Euro – Atlantic accession, particularly when it comes to the reform process of the country's security and defence sector. In that regard, he voiced the USA willingness to continue supporting Montenegro towards getting the NATO invitation by the end of the year.

Minister Pejanović-Đurišić also met with Tamar Beruchashvilli, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia for talks on the cooperation between the two countries regarding the Euro-Atlantic agenda. The two officials agreed that the interstate support is very important when it comes to pursuing the important foreign policy goal.