Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro’s NATO membership is both a privilege and a responsibility, an opportunity to be part of a community based on shared values, but also an obligation to contribute to its strength and unity with its actions, the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense (MOD) said.

On the occasion of marking the 9th anniversary of Montenegro becaming the 29th member of NATO, the Ministry said that this achievement is one of the key foreign policy priorities of the country.

According to the press release, by becoming a member of the Alliance, Montenegro secured its place in the collective security system where, on an equal footing with its allies, it participates in making decisions aimed at preserving peace, stability and the international legal order.

The MoD pointed out that in the future, Montenegro will continue to deploy its troops in the NATO Land Forces battle groups in Latvia and Bulgaria, while through participation in the NATO KFOR mission and the maritime operation in the Mediterranean, it will continue to contribute to the preservation of peace and security.

“At the same time, we will continue to modernize defense capabilities and equip the Armed Forces of Montenegro in accordance with NATO standards, investing in the knowledge of our people, the development of institutions and the ability to respond to modern security challenges”, said the MOD.