Abazović at NATO seminar: Collective security is extremely important for Montenegro

Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović spoke today at the NATO-CIDS online seminar on "Mechanisms for good governance in the defence and security sector - strengthening institutional efficiency and resilience" organised by the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Norway and their Centre for Integrity in the Defence Sector of the Kingdom of Norway.

Deputy Prime Minister Abazović said that for Montenegro, as one of the smallest countries in the region, it was very important to be part of collective security, but also to be in company with democratic countries that are members of the Alliance. In that context, DPM Abazović stated that it is very important for Montenegro to participate in the process of preserving NATO's integrity and to be a credible partner.

During his presentation, Abazović emphasised that the priority of the Government is the fight against corruption and organized crime, and that for that purpose, immediately after the elections and the first change of government after 30 years, the National Council for the Fight against High-Level Corruption was formed.

DPM Abazović informed his interlocutors about the arrest of criminal groups leaders that acted internationally, adding that their transcontinental activities were undermining Montenegro's reputation in the international arena. In that context, Deputy Prime Minister Abazović emphasised the importance of changes in the Prosecutor's Office, without which Montenegro, as he said, cannot deliver results in the field of rule of law, and stated that changes to the Law on State Prosecutor's Office were made in intensive consultation with the Venice Commission.

Abazović concluded that Montenegro wants to continue cooperation with NATO in order to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, which was systematically violated by the previous ruling elite. That is why it is very important, Abazović pointed out, to have the full support of NATO partners and to continue to deepen cooperation in order to strengthen democracy, to properly implement the rule of law in order to strengthen our security sector and institutional efficiency and security.

Norway's Permanent Representative to NATO Øystein Bø, International Expert with the CIDS Svein Eriksen, International Consultant on Public Governance Francisco Cardona, and Director of Transparency International Natalie Hogg also delivered address at the seminar.