On the margins of the Regional Conference on experiences in Euro-Atlantic integrations and the visions of the Balkans, which was held in Kolašin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Milan Roćen met with Robert Simons, NATO Deputy Assistent Secretary General for Security Cooperation and Partnership.

They emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation between Montenegro and NATO within the existing mechanisms and programs– particularly Individual Partnership Action Plan, Intensified Dialogue, Partnership Planning and Review Process (PARP) and Individual Partnership Program - for improving relations between Montenegro and the Alliance and for securing further progress on the country’s way towards the NATO. Simons emphasized that Montenegro achieved excellent results in fulfilling its obligations in this process, and said it was a positive sign that the countries of the Western Balkan had recognized the significance of the NATO membership for achieving long- term stability and peace in the region. In that context, the interlocutors pointed out the importance of regional initiatives, such as the Adriatic Charter, for faster progress towards NATO.

Minister Roćen expressed gratitude for the help and support that NATO provided to Montenegro and reiterated the Government’s serious commitment to achieving this strategic foreign-policy priority, in cooperation with its neighbors and other allies and partners. The recognition given to Montenegro by the NATO member states at the recent NATO Summit represent an importing incentive for the country’s further efforts in this direction, the Minister said.

During the conversation particular attention was given to Montenegro’s perspectives of soon joining NATO’s MAP program, as well as to its obligations in that context.