Defence Minister Bošković takes part in NAC session dedicated to Resolute Support mission

Podgorica, Montenegro (9 November 2017) -- On the second day of the meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) in Brussels, Defence Minister Predrag Bošković participated in a session dedicated to the Resolute Support mission, where ministers of the contributing countries exchanged views on the current security situation in Afghanistan. The ministers welcomed the efforts of the Afghan authorities to stabilise situation in that country. They agreed that NATO through this mission remains committed to supporting the Afghan people and the Afghan armed forces in capacity building to respond to all security challenges and threats.

Minister Bošković reiterated that Montenegro has been participating in various missions in Afghanistan for almost eight years, that it had its largest presence with 42 soldiers during the duration of the ISAF mission, and that now, there are 18 members of the Montenegrin Armed Forces within the seventh contingent of the Resolute Support mission.

"I am sure that Montenegro, regardless of its size, strength and potential, will make a contribution to the system of collective security," he said.

Defence Minister Bošković met earlier today with his Macedonian counterpart Radmila Sekerinska, stressing that Montenegro, as the newest member of NATO, and the country that belongs to this region, understands the problems and needs of the countries aspiring for membership in NATO. He stated that Montenegro, as a member of the Alliance, will strongly advocate for the continuation of the Open-Door policy.

"The Open-Door policy advocated by Montenegro is essential for the future of the entire region, because the North Atlantic integration and unification is key to the stability of the region," Minister Bošković underlined.

He also met with Director General for Europe and Central Asia at the European External Action Service Thomas Mayr-Harting, with whom he discussed the progress of Montenegro on its path to membership in the European Union. Minister Bošković noted that Montenegro is ready to actively contribute to the missions and operations of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the time to come, noting that the country is currently engaged in international missions and operations of EU NAVFOR Atalanta in Somalia and EUTM in Mali.

Director General Harting welcomed the progress made so far in the process of European integration and stressed the importance of the Montenegrin contribution to EU-led missions and operations.