Macedonia and Montenegro intensify military cooperation
Cooperation between Macedonia and Montenegro is a model for the entire region. The two countries have only one open question, which is their faster EU and NATO accession, stressed countries' defense ministers Zoran Konjanovski and Boro Vucinic after Monday's meeting, MIA reports from Podgorica.
Konjanovski and Vucinic agreed the 2009 cooperation agenda aimed at intensifying relations in the defense sector, including the possibility of using countries' centers for army and medical personnel training.
"We obtained clear messages of support and continuation of reforms in Strasbourg and Cologne. I believe that Macedonia will overcome the problem with neighboring Greece and soon become full-fledged NATO member. It is our joint assessment that NATO and EU accession is in the interest of peace and stability of regional countries", stressed Montenegro DM Vucinic.
He added that the Montenegro Army would send its personnel for training and education at the Macedonian Military Academy this fall.
Macedonian DM Konjanovski referred to the successfully completed electoral process in both countries.
"The successful completion of the democratic and fair elections in Macedonia and Montenegro clearly demonstrates the political and democratic maturity of both countries, but sends a clear message to Europe and the world", said Konjanovski.
He reiterated that talks also focused on the possibilities of using countries' training centers for improvement of the army readiness.
"Macedonia will continue to fully support Montenegro in its efforts to become part of the Southeastern Europe Defense Ministerial (SEDM) as soon as possible. Moreover, we will work together within the U.S.-Adriatic Charter on training of personnel and medical teams, which would be sent to Afghanistan", stressed Minister Konjanovski.
Konjanovski is scheduled to meet later today with Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, followed by visits to Montenegro Army base at military airport "Golubovci" and factory for production of weapon parts "Tara" in Mojkovac. //04.13.09
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