Washington: Montenegro's membership in NATO is historic turning point for security in Western Balkans

Washington, the USA (29 November 2017) -- Foreign Minister Srđan Darmanović met in Washington with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell.

Minister Darmanović congratulated Mr Michell for taking office, hopeful that the strategic, partnership and friendly relations between the two countries will be further strengthened in the time to come. He pointed out that, as a new and responsible member of the Alliance, Montenegro wants to contribute to resolving security and other challenges facing the Western Balkans.

He also stressed that the next year's Montenegrin presidency of the US-Adriatic Charter will be taking place in the spirit of boosting regional cooperation. He also acquainted the US Assistant Secretary of State with the current developments regading EU membership talks and voiced expectation that Montenegro will open all the negotiating chapters by the end of next year.

US Assistant Secretary of State Wess Mitchel congratulated the Government of Montenegro on its efforts and a very dedicated work that resulted in NATO membership, stressing that Montenegro is a model for the countries of the region when it comes to its commitment to peace and security and maintaining good neighbourly relations. He noted that Montenegro's membership in NATO is a historic turning point for security in the Western Balkans, hopeful that Montenegro will continue to play a leading role in advancing the political and security architecture of the region.

Montenegrin Foreign Minister also spoke in Washington with Senator Christopher Marphy.

Minister Darmanović expressed his satisfaction with the visit of Vice President Pence to Montenegro, which is a clear confirmation that Montenegro is an important US partner and that it recognises the constructive role of Montenegro in resolving outstanding issues in the Western Balkan region. FM Darmanović emphasised the importance of the active engagement of the United States in the Western Balkans, which is very important, not only in terms of security, but also of support for the reforms on the road to the EU.

Senator Marphy said that NATO became stronger with Montenegro as its member state, hopeful that bilateral relations will be further reinforced by allied activities within the Alliance. He also praised Montenegro's important contribution to the preservation of peace and security in the region.