PM Đukanović meets General Petr Pavel, Chairman of NATO Military Committee

Podgorica, Montenegro (3 March 2016) -- Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović hosted earlier today General Petr Pavel, Chairman of the Military Committee of NATO.

The Prime Minister thanked General Pavel for NATO's support for Montenegro’s Armed Forces, noting that the country strives, through pursuing reforms, to develop an effective system that will be compatible part of NATO security framework. He pointed out that a membership invitation is not only an acknowledgement for Montenegro’s achievements, but also an encouragement to the region, without whose stability there can be no security in Europe. He also voiced belief that the continuity in fulfilling obligations will encourage members of the Alliance to ratify the accession protocols in due time.

PM Đukanović informed the NATO official about current developments in the country, economic achievements and prospects, as well as the progress Montenegro has achieved in the negotiations with the EU.

General Pavel highlighted that Montenegro has every right to be proud of the accomplishments achieved during the first decade of its independence. He added that Montenegro has taken the right path to NATO and the EU. It is particularly emphasised that the Armed Forces of Montenegro has achieved great progress in implementing reforms, stressing that NATO wants to expand security in the region and build good relations and partnership to the extent that suits both sides. We are thinking along the same lines, which facilitates us to achieve our goals in a pragmatic and realistic manner, Chairman of the Military Committee of NATO Petr Pavel underlined in Podgorica.