Defence Minister Predrag Bošković meets with US Defence Secretary James Mattis

Washington, D.C., the USA (28 February 2018) -- Montenegro's Defence Minister Predrag Bošković met in Washington with US Defence Secretary James Mattis.

Speaking about the cooperation between the two countries in terms of defence, the two officials concluded that Montenegro and the United States are strategic allies, who share and foster common democratic values.

The US Secretary of Defence said that Montenegro has made remarkable progress in implementing the necessary reforms and that, as a reliable ally within the Alliance, it makes a significant contribution to international peace and security. He said that the United States will continue to provide strong support to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Montenegro in strengthening overall defence capacities.

Minister Bošković thanked the US Defence Secretary for the overall support provided by the United States to Montenegro, and stressed that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Montenegro remain committed to advancing interoperability and the existing capacities in order to contribute adequately to the collective security system.

Minister Bošković and Defence Secretary Mattis discussed the mechanisms of joint participation of the two countries in the framework of the NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence, the intention of the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro to increase the presence of the Montenegrin soldiers in the Resolute Support mission, and to send two staff officers to the KFOR mission in Kosovo, as well as participation in other NATO-led missions and operations.

Emphasising the importance of Montenegro's membership in the Alliance to establish long-term peace and stability in the Western Balkans, Minister Bošković said that within the framework of the US-Adriatic Charter presidency in 2018, the Ministry of Defence will endeavour to improve common regional defence capacities, as well as to support the NATO aspiring countries.

The two officials signed an agreement between the two governments concerning security measures for the protection of classified information (GSOIA), which should enhance cooperation in the exchange and protection of classified information, access to classified information and the conclusion of confidential interstate agreements.