Military Committee in Permanent Session welcomes Montenegro as Observer

General Petr Pavel, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee chaired the first Military Committee in Permanent Session (MCPS) today (26 May 2016) with Montenegro participating as an Observer. On 19 May 2016, the NATO Foreign Minister’s undertook the historic signing of the Accession Protocol for Montenegro. Following the signature of the Protocol, Montenegro has ‘Invitee’ status, allowing its representatives to participate as observers in Allied meetings.


Opening the session, General Pavel stated: “Both militarily and politically, Montenegro has made enormous strides in the past ten years. Since is rebirth as an independent Nation, Montenegro has contributed to NATO, EU, and UN Operations and it has encouraged regional cooperation and compromise in the Balkans. Montenegro is committed to progress. Progress within her borders; progress in the Balkans, progress in the Mediterranean; and progress in the greater European region.”

Addressing the Allied Military Representatives, Captain Dragoslav Pumpalovic, Acting Military Representative for Montenegro emphasised: I am honoured and privileged to address the Military Committee in Permanent Session on behalf of Montenegro for the first time. Let me assure you that the NATO integration process is and will be a number one priority for the Montenegrin Ministry of Defence and General Staff for the years to come, the goal being to achieve capabilities, interoperability and implementation of NATO standards. Montenegro will be a reliable member committed to NATO’s values and contributing to all efforts to promote stability and security.”

Once all 28 Allies have ratified the Accession Protocol, Montenegro can accede to the Washington Treaty and become a full member of the Alliance.