Minister Darmanović in Washington: Montenegro greatly appreciates alliance with the United States

Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović, alongside foreign ministers from the region, met with US National Security Adviser Herbert McMaster

Minister Darmanović conveyed Montenegro's position, as responsible NATO member, on the modalities of overcoming the security and other challenges that the region faces. He stressed that Montenegro is committed to fulfilling its obligations in the Alliance and that, in accordance with its capacities, will participate in its activities, missions and operations. He also conveyed Montenegro's intention to assist all the aspirants in the region in order to meet the necessary NATO standards, which is consistent with our national interest and strategic commitment to make this part of Europe more stable and prosperous

In the context of European integration, Minister Darmanovic thanked Mr McMaster for the support of the United States and stressed that Montenegro will be committed to continue to work on the implementation of reforms in order to complete the negotiation process as soon as possible. He expressed expectations that the EU will stick to the regatta principle, and that the efforts and progress of Montenegro will be evaluated according to the principle

National Security Adviser McMaster reiterated US support for the Western Balkans. He underlined the commitment of his country and the current administration to the integration processes in the region. He pointed out that the stable Western Balkans is the interest of the United States, and that the best way to achieve this goal is to integrate all countries into European and Euro-Atlantic structures, after they meet necessary conditions and standards

The meeting also exchanged views on how to deepen cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism

Minister Darmanović also met with Molly Montgomery, Special Adviser to the Vice President Pence for Europe and Russia

Minister Darmanović thanked the interlocutor for strong support prior to and after the accession of Montenegro to NATO. He pointed out that this year's A5 summit, attended by US Vice President Mike Pence, was a historic meeting that significantly contributed to the region to focus on the right path of stability and integration. In this regard, he reiterated that Montenegro, which will preside over US-Adriatic Charter (A5) in 2018, will continue to make strong efforts in order to enhance security cooperation and the progress of integration processes in the region.

Montgomery congratulated Montenegro on the successful completion of Euro-Atlantic integration and achieved results on the European path. Recalling the messages that the US Vice President conveyed on 2 August 2017 in Podogrica, she emphasised that the United States will support the countries of the Western Balkans, which they consider a strategically important region in the context of current developments in European and global frameworks

European and Euro-Atlantic partners should remain active and visible in the region and clearly communicate the prospect of its integration into the EU and NATO, which has no alternative, the officilas concluded and discussed the current situation in Montenegro and the political developments in the region,

Minister Darmanovic met today with Congressman Michael Turner

The Minister expressed satisfaction with his first visit to the United States, since Montenegro became a NATO member. In times when Montenegro is facing a lot of challenges, US support is very important, he concluded.

Congressman Turner emphasised that it was an honour to work with Montenegro in very challenging times, and that he looks forward to continuing cooperation.

Minister Darmanovic met today with Chairpersons of Congressional Montenegro Caucus, Congressman Doug Lamborn and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

The officials exchanged views on the current political, economic and security situation in Montenegro, as well as on the integration and development prospects of our country and the region.

Congressman Lamborn and Congresswoman Pingree praised Montenegro for the achievements in Euro-Atlantic and European integration and stressed that it represents an example of progress and stability in the Balkans, which should be followed by other countries in the region.

Minister Darmanović thanked the members of Montenegro Caucus for the support and assistance they provided to Montenegro, which was an important factor for Montenegro to become the 29th NATO member and one of the most important strategic partners of the United States in the Western Balkans. He emphasised that Montenegro is extremely appreciative of the alliance with the United States, and after the visit of Vice President Pence to Podgorica, he considers it more solid than ever.

The two officials recognised foreign investments as the best way to speed up the economic development of Montenegro and the region.

During his visit to Washington, Minister Darmanović will also meet with Kurt Walker, Special Representative for Ukraine.