Spajić, Stoltenberg: Montenegro is a valued NATO ally with a crucial role in the Western Balkans

During his official visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The discussions underscored Montenegro's status as a reliable NATO member, fully committed to achieving its strategic foreign policy objectives.

Emphasis was placed on Montenegro's crucial role in fostering regional cooperation, peace, and security amid numerous security challenges.

Both leaders agreed that strengthening the Alliance is more important than ever, and therefore, the anticipated entry of Sweden into NATO will be very significant in that context. The open-door policy has gained particular importance since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, considering that NATO enlargement broadens the zone of safety and security.

Prime Minister Spajić highlighted Montenegro's ongoing support for Ukraine, expressing a commitment to continue such efforts.

The Western Balkans is of strategic importance to the Alliance. As a NATO member for almost seven years, Montenegro understands that many global events require constant vigilance and attention from allies, stated Prime Minister Spajić.

He underscored the importance of NATO's presence in the Western Balkans, asserting that it serves as a guarantee of peace and security. The visit of the NATO Secretary General to Skopje in November and the upcoming visit of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) to Bosnia and Herzegovina were highlighted in this context.

Prime Minister Spajić informed Secretary General Stoltenberg that Montenegro allocated 2.01% of its GDP for defence this year, with 35.24% designated for equipment modernization.

Secretary General Stoltenberg commended Montenegro's soldiers' participation and contribution to missions.

Montenegro is a credible NATO member and plays a significant role in peace and stability in the Western Balkans. I appreciate your commitment to reforms and Euro-Atlantic integrations, which will bring lasting stability to the region, conveyed NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg.

The discussions also touched upon enhancing capabilities to counter emerging security challenges, such as hybrid threats and cyber attacks.