Defence Minister Boškovic in Brussels: Montenegro is committed to key tasks of the Alliance

Brussels, Belgium (29 June 2017) -- Defence Minister Predrag Bošković participated in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of defence ministers, which took place in Brussels. For the first time, Montenegro participated in this meeting as a full member of the Alliance. On this occasion, Minister Bošković emphasised Montenegro's commitment to the key tasks of the Alliance in a modern security environment. He reiterated that Montenegro's policy has confirmed that it is a guarantor of stability in the Western Balkans and pointed out that it will continue to improve the good neighbourly relations and mutual trust in the region.

NATO defence ministers analysed the current security situation and the readiness of the Alliance to respond adequately to contemporary threats. The focus was placed on progress in implementing the decisions of the Warsaw Summit, as well as on the equal sharing of responsibilities and responsibilities among allies. In that context, the trend of increasing investment in defence in most member states has been commended.

Ministers exchanged views on activities in the field of further fighting terrorism, as well as dealing with other threats that affect the security of the transatlantic community. They agreed that it is necessary to take further measures to strengthen the ability to respond to hybrid challenges.

Importance of designing stability beyond the Alliance's borders was also stressed in order to prevent possible threats and challenges. In that regard, it is concluded to continue with activities in Afghanistan, within the framework of the "Resolute Support" mission in order to build the necessary capacities. The models for improving cooperation with the European Union and the progress made in the implementation of the measures foreseen in the joint declaration, signed on the eve of the Summit in Warsaw, were also discussed.

On the eve of the ministerial meeting on 28 June, Minister Bošković organised a meeting with his counterparts from the region, namely defence ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia and Slovenia. The meeting addressed the possibility of promoting regional cooperation in the context of the NATO agenda, i.e. the possibility of joint participation and contribution to the Alliance's activities.