Defence Minister Pejanović-Đurišić at A5 meeting: Montenegro committed to preserving peace and stability in the Balkans region

Dubrovnik, Croatia (22 October 2015) – Minister of Defence Milica Pejanović-Đurišić attended yesterday the meeting of the US-Adriatic Charter (A5) and the initiative of the Comprehensive South-East Europe Defence Ministers’ Meeting, which took place in Dubrovnik.

“Montenegro will continue making efforts in improving the regional cooperation, promoting the common values, and encouraging initiatives aimed at preserving peace and stability in the region,” Minister Pejanović-Đurišić emphasised at the meeting.

Minister Pejanović-Đurišić reiterated that the US-Adriatic Charter is a very important regional initiative in this part of the world, adding that the partnership between the US and the Western Balkan countries will boost cooperation among countries which deal with the common challenges and share the same values. This partnership contributes to intensifying democratic, economic, security, and defence reforms and to bolstering progress of the entire region, she pointed out.

“The US-Adriatic Charter is an initiative gathering five regional counties: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, and Montenegro and the US. Furthermore, it is established for the purpose of aiding aspirant countries to join NATO and encouraging their engagement in the Euro-Atlantic policy,” Minister Pejanović-Đurišić explained.

The Army of Montenegro’s active engagement in international peace-keeping missions is Montenegro’s biggest contribution to the maintenance of the international peace and security, Minister Pejanović-Đurišić stressed, adding that Montenegro is willing to support the UN, the EU, and NATO missions in the future.

Having in mind contemporary security challenges, Montenegro will remain a credible partner to the international community, particularly when it comes to the initiatives aimed at joining the capacities for preserving the peace and stability, Minister Pejanović-Đurišić underlined. “Our country is committed to pursuing European and Euro-Atlantic agenda and ready to join forces with the international and regional partners in dealing with security challenges shaking the globe,” Minister Pejanović-Đurišić concluded.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Defence of Albania Mimi Kodheli, Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herczegovina Marina Pendeš, Minister of Defence of Croatia Ante Kotromanović, Minister of Defence of Macedonia Zoran Joleski, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Evelyn N. Farkas on behalf of the US, and representatives of observers to the A5: Serbia, Slovenia, and Kosovo.