Bošković, Canikli in Ankara: Euro-Atlantic integration is key to long-term peace in Western Balkans

Within the framework of the official visit of the delegation of the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro to the Republic of Turkey, Minister of Defence Predrag Bošković met with Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey Nurettin Canikli in Ankara.

Bošković thanked for the comprehensive support provided by the Republic of Turkey to Montenegro in achieving its Euro-Atlantic goal, assured that the defence cooperation of the two countries as NATO allies will be further improved in the upcoming period. Bošković stressed that Montenegro supports the Republic of Turkey in the fight against terrorism and that as a full member of the Alliance it will actively contribute to the collective security system, bearing in mind the common security challenges we face.

He informed the Turkish Minister about the priorities of the Ministry of Defence, with a special focus on the modernisation of the Army of Montenegro in line with the up-to-date standards. On this occasion, he emphasised that the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Military Industry between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the Republic of Turkey is an excellent platform for further improvement of the defence capabilities in the process of modernisation and equipping of the Army of Montenegro.

Canikli stressed that Montenegro could count on the Republic of Turkey in all areas and congratulated to our country on its success in meeting foreign policy goals. The Turkish Minister of Defence highlighted that the Euro-Atlantic integration is the key to regional stability and long-term peace of the Western Balkan countries, and that joining of the current NATO aspirant countries is the best guarantee of peace and stability in this part of Europe. He emphasised that the Republic of Turkey will continue to be a reliable partner to Montenegro, and that today's meeting is a great opportunity to define the modalities of further intensifying cooperation in the field of defence.

The two officials expressed mutual satisfaction with cooperation, which is constantly being promoted both through bilateral projects and within the framework of joint regional initiatives.

The Minister and the Ministry of Defence delegation laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

During the visit to Ankara, the delegation of Montenegrin Ministry of Defence met with representatives of Turkish companies from the military industry. On this occasion, possible areas of cooperation in this domain were discussed.