PM Đukanović speaks with US Vice President Joseph Biden

Podgorica, Montenegro (17 December 2015) -- In a telephone conversation with US Vice President Joseph Biden late this afternoon, Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović thanked the administration and people of the United States, as well as the Vice President personally, for their continued support and contribution to making a decision on inviting Montenegro to join NATO. He pointed out this a good decision for Montenegro, the region and the Alliance, and that Montenegro will fulfil its obligations responsibly, emphasising the achievements and further commitment to the rule of law and building up public support. Montenegro is committed to pledging its best efforts towards pursuing reforms in order to convince its partners that they made the right decision and encourage them to complete the ratification process, PM Đukanović stated.

Vice President Biden congratulated Montenegro on NATO invitation, which, in his words, came as a result of the country's commitment to reforms. He said that, during his recent visit to Croatia, he reiterated that the process of integration will firmly anchor the entire Balkans in the Alliance and the EU, which is the best way to achieve stability, security and prosperity, and promote democratic values in the region. I believe that Montenegro's membership in NATO is an important step that will pave the path to stability in the Balkans, to which I have been devoted for several decades, Mr Biden noted.

Highlighting that NATO invitation is a clear message that the door of the Alliance remains open, he voiced belief that Montenegro is committed to working and successfully completing the process of NATO accession. Your people deserve to be part of a unified, free and secure Europe, US Vice President pointed out.

Prime Minister Đukanović called on Vice President Biden to visit Montenegro. The US Vice President thanked for the invitation and said he looks forward to future meetings with PM Đukanović, in Montenegro or in the United States.