December 5, 2019 - Montenegro is in a place where it can contribute to peace and stability, said the president of Montenegro’s Government, Mr Duško Marković, who is attending NATO Summit in London.
Prime Minister said that meeting leaders of ally countries were a great opportunity for Montenegro to confirm its NATO membership, which is crucial to our security.
Summit in London is organized to mark NATO’s 70th anniversary.
Mr Marković says that the Summit is a confirmation of the power of union and solidarity of its members.
“Decisions made at the Summit today encourage and improve NATO policies and its ability to counter threats. NATO’s commitment when it comes to Western Balkans is clear. The attendance of North Macedonia proves it”, says Prime Minister.
Mr Marković says this was a great opportunity for Montenegro to reiterate that it supports NATO and cherishes its values.
“NATO is important for the security of the region and our country. Cooperation between Montenegro and NATO is very comprehensive. This was a very successful Summit that conveyed messages of unity, power and solidarity”, pointed out Mr Marković.
President of the Government confirmed that messages conveyed by the French president, Mr Emmanuel Macron, were also discussed at the Summit.
“We should work on strengthening NATO. Mr Macron himself agreed”, said Mr Mrković.
A CHANCE AND A CHALLENGE
China’s progress was also one of the topics discussed at the Summit.
“China is a chance and a challenge for Montenegro and the Alliance as a whole. We should do our best to understand China as much as we can”, says PM.
VALUES OF THE DEVELOPED WORLD
Mr Marković said that Montenegro’s interest was not only to become part of some alliance, but its main interest was to develop and improve living standards.
“NATO Member States create conditions for a better life. After Montenegro became NATO member, it got a chance to develop its economy in a sustainable way and that’s why our economy has been recording enormous growth”, says Mr Marković.
NORTH MACEDONIA TO BECOME NATO MEMBER NEXT YEAR
Prime Minister said that the fact that North Macedonia “will become NATO member next year” was very encouraging.
“That’s important for the entire Western Balkans”, says Mr Marković.
€35 MILLION FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Asked is Montenegro was really negotiating with Israel reading the purchase of armament, Mr Marković says that one of its duties is to earmark a specific amount for the defense.
“There’s no hidden agenda. By 2024, we want to reach a 2% level of funds intended for defense. We’ve already provided part. We’ve earmarked €35 million for the provision of equipment next year”, says Mr Marković.
Montenegrin soldiers will be part of the military mission in Iraq.
At the beginning of the Summit, Mr Marković met with the President of the Government of Canada, Mr Justin Trudeau and President of Latvia, Mr Egils Levits.
During the meeting with Mr Trudeau, the emphasis was put on great bilateral relations with Canada, and high-quality cooperation within NATO.
Meeting with the Latvian president was dedicated to Latvia’s support for the European integration of Montenegro and WB countries.
Mr Levits said that they appreciated Montenegro’s contribution to the goals of the Alliance.
Text by CDM on December 4, 2019, read more here.
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