Pejanović- Đurišić: Invitation to NATO membership, expected epilogue of a long and demanding period

Minister of Defence of Montenegro Prof. Milica Pejanović-Đurišić, PhD made a statement to the press, on the occasion of the decision made at the Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, this morning, Montenegro to be given an invitation for full - fledged membership in the NATO Alliance.

Minister of Defence expressed the gratitude to the NATO member states for placing confidence in Montenegro, by today's unanimous "yes" for Montenegro.
"With personal gratification and satisfaction, due to successfully finalized special stage in the process of the Euro - Atlantic integrations, I am taking this opportunity to send my heartiest congratulations to all the citizens of Montenegro on today's invitation to join the NATO Alliance!

I thank the NATO member states for placing confidence in Montenegro, by today's unanimous "yes" for Montenegro. 

This is also an opportunity to extend my greetings to all the employees of the Ministry of Defence, as well as all the members of the Armed Forces of Montenegro for the progress achieved, as a result of a high level of responsibility, professionalism and dedication.

For me, as the Minister of Defence, today's decision of the NATO member states is not a surprise, but the expected epilogue of a long and demanding period, during which Montenegro has shown decisiveness, commitment and political maturity. 

Today's invitation proves our great progress, in defence and other areas relevant for the readiness level assessment for the Alliance membership. We have implemented, conscientiously and responsibly, needed principles and standards, made crucial defence and security system reforms, embraced all the challenges of the intensified and focus dialogue.

Trust given by 28 NATO Alliance member states, granting invitation to Montenegro is, in my opinion, definitely the best confirmation of the implemented reforms quality. 

I am deeply convinced that Montenegro's new status, in the collective security system, will contribute to further strengthening of institutions and the rule of law, as well as the overall democratic development of our society. We will also make for the stabilization of our region and thus Europe, we belong to, by all civilization values we share and cherish together" the Minister of Defence said in her press release.