Prime minister Dusko Markovic will meet the US Vice President Mike Pence in Washington on Monday, 5 June, on the occasion of handing the instrument of ratification for formal membership in NATO to the State Department, the government stated.
“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 told the American magazine Time.
He pointed out that Montenegro would reach a historic milestone by entering NATO on 5 June, thus joining the most powerful countries in the world in order to work jointly on promoting the values of the civilization and preserving peace and stability across the world.
“Those who are familiar with the history of Montenegro over the last two centuries understand why the guarantee of our independence, which we definitely get through NATO membership, is so important to us. It happened several times in history that the fate of Montenegro was decided in its absence. It will never be possible again,” Markovic emphasised in his statement to the magazine Time.
He added that at the meeting of heads of state and/or government, as well as in separate meetings with leaders, he had said that we would take part in defence and deterrence and projecting stability beyond the borders of the alliance.
“I want to recall that Montenegro has been supporting the efforts of allies in Afghanistan to contribute to peace and strengthening security and democracy. In addition, as a new ally, Montenegro is strongly advocating for stepping up NATO engagement in the fight against terrorism. Bearing in mind its position of the factor of stability in the Balkans for many years, Montenegro will continue to be dedicated to this goal as well as the promotion of peace, with a strong commitment to continuing the policy of expansion of the alliance,” said Markovic.
He also said he had the opportunity for a brief encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump in Brussels, where he had expressed his gratitude for the support that the United States had been continuously providing to Montenegro in order to strengthen democracy, reinforce institutions and become a part of the most powerful alliance in today’s world.
“Enormous media attention was given undeservedly to what happened with President Trump during the tour of the new building of the Alliance – it was really a harmless situation that can in no way affect the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. I am honoured by the attention that the U.S. has given me; therefore, following my recent meeting with Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, I will be again in Washington D.C. on 5 June. I will attend a ceremony at the State Department on the occasion of handing the instrument of ratification for membership in NATO, and after that, I will have a bilateral meeting with Vice President, Mike Pence,” Markovic said.
