Defence Minister Pejanović Đurišić in Brussels: Montenegro ready to contribute to implementation of Alliance's priorities and preserve common values

Defence Minister Milica Pejanović Đurišić participated in a meeting of defence ministers of NATO allied countries, held at Alliance's headquarters in Brussels on 26 and 27 October.

The officials discussed issues of improving collective defense, projecting stability beyond the borders of the Alliance, as well as cooperation with other international organisations, especially the European Union.

The meeting took place only a few months after the Summit and represented a real opportunity to review the measures taken regarding the implementation of decisions on further adaptation of the Alliance to new and unpredictable security challenges and risks. The ministers agreed on future steps in strengthening the defence capacity of allies and advancing collective defence. It was emphasised that unity, solidarity and coherence among the allies are the basis of strong and credible Alliance.

The ministers agreed that the stability of NATO depends on the stability of the bordering countries, so they confirmed the willingness to continue their efforts in the fight against terrorism and extremism in cooperation with other international organisations.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini attended the discussion on the strengthening of relations between NATO and EU, where both organisations confirmed readiness to finalise the areas of cooperation identified in Joint declaration, adopted at the Summit in Warsaw.

Minister Pejanović Đurišić confirmed the full commitment of Montenegro toward allied efforts, aimed at strengthening collective defence and projecting stability beyond the borders of NATO. In this context, she reminded that international community recognises Montenegro as factor of stability in the Western Balkans, and that it will continue to promote cooperation and strengthen confidence in the region. The Minister reiterated that Montenegro, as a future member, is ready to make its maximum contribution to the implementation of all priorities of the Alliance and the preservation of common values.

The Minister also met with the newly appointed Deputy Secretary General of NATO Rose Gottemoeller.