PODGORICA – Montenegrin defence minister Predrag Boskovic says that there is no initiative to set up NATO bases in Montenegro, adding that it is currently not in the alliance’s interest, CdM reports.
Asked whether there is an idea for deploying NATO troops on Montenegrin territory, he said that the alliance is currently not interested for such operations on the Balkan Peninsula.
“As far as I am informed, there is absolutely no initiative to set up NATO bases in Montenegro. Even if Montenegro wanted to ask for such a thing at this moment, it would not be in NATO’s interest. Those are rather some other hot spots,” Boskovic told reporters on the eve of the NATO ministerial meeting.
As he said, Montenegro has entered the alliance to be a credible partner and to jointly agree on all future activities by consensus.
He called in mind that Montenegro participates at the ministerial meeting as a NATO member for the first time.
“For the last 11 years we have been committed to comprehensive reforms, not only in the security sector, but related to overall development of Montenegrin society. What I expect is to show the unity of the alliance at meetings. It is important to reiterate our commitment to increasing the allocation for the defence sector and that the open door policy remains NATO’s policy, since it is the only way to have peace and stability in the Western Balkan region and beyond,” Boskovic added.
He said that it was a great honour for Montenegro to be part of the 29 most developed countries of today.