Opening statement for Montenegro with NAC by Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić

Igor Lukšić, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro
Opening statement for Montenegro with NAC
Brussels, 2 December 2015

Excellences,

Very good morning to you all.

It is a true honour and privilege to address you at this historical meeting for my country. We are both humbled and excited with your decision to invite Montenegro to join the Alliance. It is recognition of our great efforts, energy and dedication in implementing reforms to qualify for membership. Throughout this process, as partners, we have forged our relationship based on understanding and sense of common purpose. Today, we are opening a new chapter for deeper and closer bond with our allies.
We are proud of what we have achieved in just nine years since we joined the Partnership for Peace. This is indeed a great day for my country, and I believe a well-deserved one. I am confident this is an equally important moment for the Alliance. By opening your door to Montenegro both literally and symbolically, you have shown why this Alliance is so vital and strong. Invitation to Montenegro is great news for the rest of Balkans as well, for the strengthening of the security and stability. This is a good signal for our region, which will have one more friend in the Atlantic family.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are fully aware that the invitation is not the end of the process, but the beginning of a new one. We want to complete tasks in the accession period with the equal success. So rest assured Montenegro is fully committed to the continuation of reforms with the same intensity and a new vigour. We will continue building further track-record in fighting organised crime and corruption, making sure we have an overwhelming public support for membership and further adapt the defence sector. We are determined to constantly improve and work tirelessly not to please others, but to change our society for the better.

These are very sensitive and challenging times for the Alliance. We understand that unity and solidarity are needed now more than ever. I can assure you that Montenegro already acts as a 29th member and giving its contribution to Euro-Atlantic stability. We stand ready to share a burden and stand shoulder to shoulder with the allies.

Dear colleagues,

I’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank all of you and you, Mr Secretary General and your stuff, for being with us every step of the way. We would not be here without you. Next May, Montenegro is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its independence. I would like to invite all of you and your high officials to visit Montenegro and celebrate this important day with us.

Dear friends,

By inviting Montenegro to join NATO, you have made the right decision. We vow to be a member you will be all proud of. Let's paraphrase a famous movie sentence: I think this is the beginning of a beautiful alliance.

Thank you.