Montenegro welcomed to NATO during ceremony at State Department

Montenegro welcomed to NATO during ceremony at State Department

05.06.2017 20:55


NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S Under Secretary Shannon welcomed Montenegro as the Alliance’s newest member. Following today’s ceremony, Markovic will have a private meeting with Vice President Mike Pence.

This event represents the culmination of many years of effort on behalf of the government and people of Montenegro to join the Euro-Atlantic community of nations.

Montenegro’s accession is like “building a cathedral”, Shannon said, adding that “many people played a role”.

As a reminder, in March the U.S Senate voted 97-2, overwhelmingly in support of Montenegro’s bid to NATO.

“Prime Minister Markovic said that Montengro vows to be a “trustworthy partner” for NATO, and a “beacon of hope” for “furthering [of the] integration process for the entire region”.

Montenegro will commit 1.72 percent of its GDP to NATO in 2017, and vows to achieve the 2 percent threshold by 2024. With about 2,000 soldiers, no air force, no coast guard, and no military academy, Montenegro will have the alliance’s smallest military budget.

NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg said that Montenegro’s accession marks an important step for a Europe “whole, free, and at peace”.

“The overall success of Montenegro would not be possible without the help of the United States. I believe that our partnership and friendship are eternal. We all know that friendship is not measured by the size and wealth of a country, but good intentions and deeds. I want to tell the American people that they will always have a sincere and reliable friend in Montenegro,” Markovic said earlier.

On June 7, Montenegro’s flag will fly over NATO Headquarters in Brussels for the first time.

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