Prime Minister Đukanović hosts General Philip M. Breedlove

Podgorica, Montenegro (3 February 2016) -- Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović hosted Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations and Commander of the US European Command Philip M. Breedlove.

PM Đukanović stressed the importance of the cooperation with the NATO Command and the expert assistance provided in the process of defence reform. He pointed out that the invitation to join NATO is of critical significance for Montenegro, which is determined to become a full member of the Alliance.

"Montenegro is on its way to the EU, as we want to belong to the club of countries that cherish that system of values. Over the past years, we have made serious efforts towards pursuing reforms that lead us to the achievement of that goals, he noted, and stressed the importance of NATO invitation extended to Montenegro for regional stability, adding that there is no stability in Europe if the Balkans does not live according to European norms and standards.

General Breedlove said that Montenegro has much to offer to NATO, and that NATO has much to offer to Montenegro.

He said that NATO will act as a part of Montenegro's team throughout the accession process and support Montenegro's efforts and its contribution to international missions, such as the mission in Afghanistan. This is a good message to other countries saying that Montenegro at this stage is able to back up joint efforts in dealing with contemporary challenges, which is the right message for the future, said General Breedlove.

The meeting also emphasised that Montenegro will take all necessary actions to continue implementing reforms in order to make the accession process go according to the plan and enable the accession protocol to be signed soon.