29 December 2018 - On the occasion of the New Year and Christmas holidays, the Ministry of Defence established earlier this morning a video link with the Marmal base in Afghanistan and members of the IX contingent of the Armed Forces of Montenegro in the Resolute Support mission.
Montenegro's soldiers were addressed by Minister of Defence Predrag Boškovićand Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, Brigadier General Dragutin Dakič. They pointed out that not only the Armed Forces but the whole of Montenegro is proud of Montenegro's soldiers in Afghanistan.
Wishing them to return to their families with their regular obligations in Montenegro, Minister Bošković emphasised the reputation Montenegrin soldiers have in this, but also in all missions and operations in which they participate.
"All information indicates that a Montenegrin soldier is an example of a soldier in the Resolute Support mission. We work together to raise the quality of the entire Armed Forces and the capabilities of each of its members. You need to know that everything we do here is done for you in missions, away from your homes and your country," he stressed.
The Defence Minister added that the Ministry and the Armed Forces of Montenegro would continue to do so in the future, regardless of their size and possibilities, to contribute to the global aspirations for maintaining international peace and stability.
"And when you return, we should together build the Armed Forces of Montenegro and place it on the playground where it had been through Montenegrin history, as one of the most appreciated parts of the society," Minister Bošković concluded.
General Dakić said that he is still under the impressions from his recent visit to members of the IX contingent, especially because of the assessments he heard in Afghanistan from allies and partners about the way Montenegro's soldiers perform their tasks. "You have set standards not only for the Montenegrin Army but also for the partners with whom you are on the mission," the Chief of General Staff underscored.
He concluded by telling the soldiers in the Resolute Support mission to be persistent and professional until the end, as a Montenegrin soldier is expected to be.
