"Joining NATO was Montenegro's most important goal"

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic says Montenegro has made a historic step forward by entering NATO and thus fulfilling one of the most important state goals.

In that, he said, the support of the United States is undisputed, as is the role of the US-Adriatic Charter A5.

At the opening of the meeting of defense ministers of the member states and observers of the US-Adriatic Charter A5 in the town of Becici, he said that Montenegro especially appreciates last year's visit of US Vice President Mike Pence, as the new member of NATO, on the occasion of the Adriatic Charter Montenegro Summit.

According to Markovic it was a powerful indicator of supporting the stability of Europe and this area.

He stressed that the citizens of Montenegro already see benefits from membership in NATO.

He noted that there was an increase in investments and the interest of credible investors from all over the world.

The prime minister said that Montenegro, as a small country, showed the force of the idea of an alliance among countries that share the same values, regardless of their size.

The meeting in Becici is the last event organized by Montenegro during this year's presidency of the US-Adriatic Charter.

"Montenegro's key priority in the US-Adriatic Charter is the policy of open NATO doors. That is why the invitation to Macedonia made us glad. We are confident that Macedonia will soon become the fourth member of the A5, which is also a NATO ally," Markovic said.

The Montenegrin prime minister also said he hoped "citizens of Kosovo will be given the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of (EU) visa liberalization."