23 April 2019 - Minister of Defence Predrag Bošković paid an official visit to the Republic of Latvia. During the meeting with Latvian counterpart Artis Pabriks in Riga, Bošković expressed Montenegro's readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Latvia, as a reliable ally in contributing to the overall strengthening of collective defence.
"By sending members of the Armed Forces of Montenegro to the enhanced Forward Presence in the East - eFP, we have demonstrated our commitment to NATO's deterrence and defence policy, as well as the willingness to contribute to designing stability within and outside the borders of the NATO by participating in international missions and operations", Bošković said.
He informed his Latvian counterpart about Montenegro's plans for further contribution to the eFP mission, stressing that Montenegro, with its participation in this mission, demonstrates its determination to continuously contribute to the overall efforts of the Alliance in strengthening the security of its citizens and territory. Minister Bošković stressed that the sending of the Scout Division of the Armed Forces of Montenegro to the eFP mission represents a strong platform for defining joint bilateral activities and projects.
Minister Pabriks stressed the strong support of the Republic of Latvia for strengthening the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans, affirming the impact of Montenegro's full membership in NATO on the stability of the Western Balkan region. Pabriks said that Montenegro had proved itself as a reliable and credible ally, stressing that Montenegro's contribution to the eFP mission is yet another indicator of its commitment to strengthening global peace and stability and trust among the armed forces of allied countries.
Bošković also met with State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Defence Janis Garisson. The two officials visited the Adaži base, the headquarters of the Multinational Battle Group in Latvia, within which an infantry reconnaissance division of the Armed Forced of Montenegro was engaged in December 2018.
In a conversation with Montenegrin soldiers, Bošković expressed satisfaction with the positive ratings of senior military representatives on their professional attitude towards assigned tasks. He expressed the expectation that they will continue to represent Montenegro decently by a responsible approach to the obligations and patriotic attitude towards their country. Bošković said that participation of Montenegro in this mission is another opportunity for strengthening the capacity of the Armed Forces of Montenegro and inter-ally trust.
