Minister of Defence, Dragan Krapović, and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević, held separate meetings today with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro.

Minister Krapović emphasised that the visit of the high-ranking NATO official is another indicator that Montenegro has positioned itself as a reliable ally fulfilling its membership obligations responsibly. He highlighted Montenegro's committed efforts to make its contribution to allied endeavors in enhancing deterrence and defence in the Euro-Atlantic area measurable. Montenegro will continue to work collaboratively to strengthen the Alliance in the face of increasingly demanding security challenges.

Minister Krapović stressed the importance of the fulfillment of adopted defence plans, a crucial prerequisite for enhancing Alliance readiness against all potential threats, in line with the 360-degree approach. Regarding the regional situation, he emphasised the strategic significance of the Western Balkans for European peace and stability. As a NATO member, Montenegro will continue to advocate for maintaining a secure environment and enhancing cooperation in the region.

Discussing global security, Minister Krapović highlighted the need for a decisive approach by all allies to achieve the set goals outlined at the last year's Summit in Vilnius. This will be a subject of analysis at the upcoming Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels.

General Lazarević, during the meeting with Admiral Bauer, emphasised the importance of strengthening allied relations among NATO members and the dedication of the Armed Forces of Montenegro to common goals, including enhancing collective security. He announced an increase in the number of Montenegro's troops in the upcoming contingent for the multinational NATO battle group in Bulgaria. Lazarević informed Admiral Bauer about the ongoing process of aligning the Defence Plan with NATO deterrence and defence plans, updating strategic documents, and modernization plans aiming at allocating 2% of GDP for defence purposes.

Admiral Bauer acknowledged Montenegro as a credible ally that has significantly contributed to collective defence and stability beyond the Alliance's borders in the past six years. He highlighted the engagement of Montenegrin troops in multinational battle groups in Bulgaria and Latvia, emphasising their concrete contribution to deterring aggression and strengthening the eastern flank of the Alliance against increasing threats from the direction of Russia. Admiral Bauer also praised Montenegro's continuous support to Ukraine through financial and military assistance and providing shelter to Ukrainian citizens who fled the war. All these actions demonstrate Montenegro's commitment to preserving security in Europe and beyond.