Defence Minister Bošković meets with Hoyt Brian Yee: USA contributed the most to development of Montenegrin defence capabilities

Podgorica, Montenegro (15 December 2016) – Defence Minister Predrag Bošković met today with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Hoyt Brian Yee, who is on a working visit to Montenegro.

Mr Yee said that the United States will continue to support further progress of Montenegro in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He added that Montenegro has systematically worked to implement the reforms needed for the full membership in NATO.

Minister Bošković thanked for comprehensive and continuous support of the United States, which is evident from all political addresses, emphasising that Montenegro will continue to be a credible ally to joint efforts in ensuring peace and security, and dedicatedly work on the promotion of positive regional cooperation. Pointing to the dynamics of the process of ratification of the Protocol on the Accession of Montenegro to NATO, the Defence Minister expressed the hope that the United States will also support Montenegro as soon as possible.

The officials exchanged views on the security and political situation in the region. Minister Bošković presented his views on the main challenges and threats facing the Western Balkans, and stressed the importance of the indispensable role of the United States in finding solutions and responses to threats.

In the framework of bilateral cooperation between Montenegro and the United States, Minister Bošković stressed that the United States is Montenegro's principal strategic partner and ally, which gave the greatest contribution in the past 10 years to the development of Montenegrin defence capabilities. Cooperation between the two countries, which is reflected in the support to planning and training, equipping and modernisation of the Army of Montenegro, and joint contribution to building stability and international security in the world, has been evaluated as the most visible example of excellent overall bilateral relations.