NAC meeting: Defence Minister Bošković takes part in session devoted to NATO's defence and deterrence policy

Brussels, Belgium (7 June 2018) – Defence Minister Predrag Bošković participated in today's meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of NATO defence ministers at a session devoted to NATO's defence and deterrence policy.

Minister Bošković stressed that Montenegro recognised the importance of the collective security system, that it actively supports the Alliance's efforts in designing stability and is willing to contribute to the Alliance in preserving the integrity of its territories, especially on Eastern flank. He announced Montenegro's contribution to enhanced forward presence (EFP), in cooperation with allied countries, Canada and Slovenia.

Minister Bošković shared the position of other allies on the importance of adopting a new model of the NATO command structure, pointing out that the Formation of the Armed Forces of Montenegro envisions four places, of which Mons and Naples are filled, while the remaining two will be by the end of the current year.

Minister Bošković met in Brussels with defence ministers of Bulgaria and Italy, Krasimir Karakachanov and Elizabeta Trento.

Ministers Bošković and Karakchanov signed the Protocol on cooperation between the two defence ministries in the field of military education and training. Minister Bošković expressed confidence that the defence cooperation between the two countries, as NATO allies, will significantly improve in the future. He emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, stressing that only by joint efforts and promotion of Euro-Atlantic values can we contribute to building a stable and prosperous region. He also referred the positive implications of Bulgaria's EU presidency for the Western Balkans region, stressing that Montenegro continues to intensify the implementation of reforms in all sectors aiming to become a full-fledged member of the European Union.

Minister Karakchakanov underscored importance of Montenegro’s success on the Euro-Atlantic path, not only for the region of the Western Balkans, but for the whole of South-Eastern Europe. He stressed that Bulgaria will provide comprehensive support to Montenegro on its path to the EU.

Defence ministers Boškovic and Trento discussed models of enhancing cooperation and joint activities of Montenegro and Italy within the framework of the system of collective security. Minister Bošković once again expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Italian Air Force in the Air Policing mission over Montenegro, which started on 5 June. He said that the Ministry of Defence pays special attention to personnel policy and the creation of a small but efficient army, ready to respond to all national and international tasks. He emphasised the importance of educating Montenegro's cadets at military academies in Italy.

The NAC meeting at the defence ministers level was held in the context of the upcoming NATO Summit to take place in Brussels on 12 - 13 July. The meeting was an opportunity for Montenegro to present the results achieved in the previous period, especially in terms of the security challenges the entire Alliance faces.