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Prime Minister, it is a pleasure to see you again and to welcome you to NATO headquarters.
Montenegro is an important partner for the Alliance, and you are a strong candidate for
membership.
Our meeting today with the North Atlantic Council reflects the importance we attach
to taking our relationship forward. Today we discussed the progress you are making in
your reform agenda and the growing cooperation between NATO and Montenegro.
I congratulate you on the good progress you have made so far in implementing reforms.
And I thank you for your personal commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration. Continuing this
hard work is the best way to bring Montenegro into NATO and the European Union.
You also show your commitment to the Alliance in practical terms. You have played a positive
role in the Western Balkans and you contribute to international security. We are grateful
for Montenegro's contribution to our mission in Afghanistan. And for your pledge to help
the Afghan security forces both financially and through the training mission we are planning
after 2014. Your forces are working closely with Croatian and German troops, offering
force protection to our trainers in Mazar-e-Sharif.
We know that Euro-Atlantic integration can be a challenging and long road. But it is
worth it. And it is important to maintain the momentum of reforms -- to deliver a strong
track record of implementation.
We have identified the key challenges together, through your Membership Action Plan. Reinforcing
the rule of law. Fighting corruption and organised crime. Finding the resources to modernise
your armed forces, and explaining to your public the importance of Euro-Atlantic integration.
I encourage you to continue working on these challenges.
All Allies agree that enlargement should be merit based. And there is still work to be
done for integration in the Euro-Atlantic community. But you have made great strides
in moving closer to NATO.
Prime Minister, NATO's commitment to the Western Balkans is strong. We see your future in the
Euro-Atlantic family and we are determined to help you get there.