Mons: Minister Bošković meets with Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Scapparotti

Minister of Defence Predrag Bošković met today at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces Europe, SHAPE with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Curtis Scapparotti.

Minister Bošković stressed that NATO membership represents for Montenegro the realisation of one of the two primary foreign policy objectives, but also an additional obligation in implementing the Alliance's agenda. He informed his interlocutor about the most important tasks and plans that the Ministry will implement in the following period, with special emphasis on the modernisation and equipping of the defence sector, training and improvement of personnel, so that the Army of Montenegro continuously improves the level of interoperability in order to contribute to the preservation of global peace and security. Bošković stressed that Montenegro, as a NATO ally, will continue to participate in international missions and operations, especially in Afghanistan, with even greater commitment.

General Scapparotti once again stressed the importance of Montenegro's membership in the Alliance in the area of strengthening the security and stability of the Western Balkans. He expressed confidence that other countries in the region will follow the path of Montenegro and become part of the Euro-Atlantic community. General Scapparotti informed Minister Bošković that the security situation in his area of responsibility is stable, but that the Alliance is constantly confronted with challenges that can be answered only by the coherent approach of the allies. He emphasised that Montenegrin soldiers show an evident and significant contribution to the peace and stability in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

Minister Bošković and General Scapparotti met in Podgorica last July during General's official visit to Montenegro. This is the first meeting of the Minister of Defence of Montenegro with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces Europe in Mons. The Army of Montenegro has, since 2007, had its representatives in SHAPE.

Minister Bošković and General Scapparotti officially opened Podgorica Street at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Forces Europe, in the honuor of Montenegro as new member of the Alliance.

On that occasion, Bošković said that since gaining independence in 2006, Montenegro has been truly committed to one of its strategic goals – membership in NATO, as well as the preservation of international peace through the participation of Montenegrin soldiers in international missions and operations.

This street is paved with Montenegrin efforts and successfully achieved goals, along with the high standards of the North Atlantic community, as well as the challenges that we have successfully overcome, showing the maturity of institutions and full commitment to full integration into the family of modern democracies, the Minister of Defence said.