Brussels: Montenegro's progress is encouraging sign ahead of next week's NATO ministerial meeting

Brussels, Belgium (25 November) – A meeting between Montenegro and the North Atlantic Council (NAC), chaired by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, was held earlier today in Brussels on the occasion of the completion of the fifth cycle of the Membership Action Plan (MAP), in the framework of the intensified and focused talks with NATO. Montenegrin delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić, and Minister of Defence Milica Pejanović-Đurišić.

The Montenegrin officials informed the NAC about the results of activities carried out within the fifth cycle of MAP, with emphasis on the campaign to raise public support for NATO membership and reforms in the rule of law. They noted that Montenegro is fully and irrevocably committed to its European and Euro-Atlantic path, convinced it is in the best interest of long-term prosperity and stability of Montenegro and the entire region. They also noted that Montenegro remains committed to reforming its society, and that the prospective NATO invitation will be a great encouragement in that regard.

NATO member-states praised the notable progress made by Montenegro in  implementing comprehensive reforms, as well as strong commitment and political will it has shown in the process of NATO accession. The meeting commended Montenegro’s visible progress in increasing public support, which came as a result of intense campaigns, as well as concrete results in strengthening the legal system. Montenegro's achievements were assessed as encouraging signs ahead of NATO foreign ministers meeting scheduled for next week, which will discuss the extending of a membership invitation to the country. NATO member-states also welcomed Montenegro’s determination to continue pursuing reforms in the future.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić and Minister Pejanović-Đurišić had separate bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg and discussed in detail the activities that lie ahead in the coming period.