Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets Slovenian Defense Minister Karl Erjavec

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic received a visit today from Slovenian Defense Minister Karl Erjavec.

Their discussion focused on mutual relations and cooperation between the two governments and defense ministries.

Prime Minister Djukanovic introduced Montenegros priorities in terms of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and defense issues. He expressed appreciation for the support Slovenia was providing in this regard during its EU Presidency. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of future practical cooperation, as provided by the summer action plan including training, English language learning and Montenegrin representatives visit to Slovenian Armed Forces.

Prime Minister stressed the importance of the visit by a delegation of Slovenian defense reform specialists and Montenegrin representatives forthcoming visit to Slovenia, which would be an opportunity to learn of the experiences and commitments arising from PfP in the context of the collective defense system. By the same token, he emphasized that Montenegro had a long-term interest in being a reliable partner to the region, the EU and the international community in general.

The Prime Minister acquainted his guest with Montenegros general social reform and plans for boosting the countrys development, and indicated opportunities for accelerated economic growth, aimed at improving the quality of living. He identified the meeting of standards as a priority, rather than the speed of achieving this objective.

Slovenian Defense Minister Erjavec reiterated the view that, by adopting strategic legal documents constituting the basis of the system, Montenegro had made considerable progress in defense reform. He added that Slovenia would continue to support Montenegro on its path towards Euro-Atlantic structures, emphasizing that Montenegro had already been recognized as a factor of stability and peace in the region.

Both sides concluded that a lasting peace and stability of the region would be achieved though Euro-Atlantic integration.