PM Marković: In two years of Montenegro's membership in NATO, we strengthened security, safety of country, gained allies ready to help us tackle every challenge

"For the first time, we have the opportunity to preserve the values that we naturally belong to and promote them together within the 28-country Alliance. We have strengthened security and safety of the country, contributed to the stability of our region and created the preconditions for the development and better life of our citizens. Without stability, there is no progress - and every citizen of the Balkans knows it best. Citizens of Montenegro can be proud of the fact that our State equally stands shoulder to shoulder with the most powerful democracies of the world, through the role of an ally in the global challenges facing every corner of the planet. It is in Montenegro's best traditions to be there for our partners. But today, unlike many other periods of our history, we have allies behind us ready to help us tackle every challenge, at any time," said Prime Minister Duško Marković in his address to the citizens on the occasion of the second anniversary of Montenegro's membership in NATO.

He also noted that NATO membership is much more than a military alliance because it contributes to the growth of foreign investments and tourists visits.

"What you can see in the past two years is the growth of foreign direct investment not only from the Alliance member states. NATO membership can be reasonably correlated with investment indicators and tourism records. I also believe that those who did not support the path of Montenegro to NATO today see that it is inseparable from our future membership in the European Union, to which Montenegro is getting closer and closer every day by making notable social progress," Prime Minister Duško Marković concluded.