Bečić: Montenegro–Maine Partnership goes far beyond military cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić, Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović, and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanović, held a meeting with Governor of the U.S. State of Maine Janet Trafton Mills and Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard Major General Diane Dunn, during their visit to Montenegro and the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the State Partnership Program between Montenegro and the State of Maine, as part of the activities held in connection with the international mountain warfare exercise “Common Challenge 26”.

The meeting focused on further developing the strategic partnership, enhancing defence and security cooperation, and strengthening institutional ties that have been built over the past two decades, primarily between the Armed Forces of Montenegro and the State of Maine.

“Last year, we had the pleasure of meeting General Dunn at the Pentagon during our official visit to the United States. Today, it is our honour to return the hospitality.

This partnership represents much more than military cooperation. It is an example of how trust, joint efforts, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and a shared commitment to the security of our citizens can be transformed into lasting ties between institutions and people. It is our responsibility to further strengthen this partnership and take it to an even higher level in the years ahead,” Bečić said in welcoming the U.S. officials.

Speaking about the security situation and the fight against organised crime, Bečić highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the support that Montenegrin institutions receive from partners in the United States and Europe.

“International cooperation within Montenegro’s intelligence and security sector, which I coordinate, is currently at its highest level. This is also demonstrated by the results of our determined fight against organised crime, in which the support of our partners from the United States and Europe is of exceptional importance.

Their knowledge, experience, and operational capabilities provide invaluable support to our institutions. Through joint efforts, we identify, prosecute, and bring criminal structures to justice, while respecting the law and all fair trial standards.

Montenegro must be recognised for strong institutions, the rule of law, security, a successful economy, and opportunities for young people, rather than for criminal clans. This is the goal to which we are committed and from which we will not waver,” Bečić stressed.

Bečić also highlighted the connection between security sector reform, combating illicit financial flows, and creating conditions for improving citizens’ living standards, stressing that the fight against organised crime and corruption must have measurable effects on quality of life.

“The fight against the mafia and the grey economy is not an end in itself. It must deliver tangible benefits to citizens and create the conditions for stronger economic and social development in our country.

The confiscation of unlawfully acquired assets, disrupting cigarette and drug smuggling routes, and dismantling criminal monopolies must form part of a broader policy aimed at building a fairer and more prosperous society. This means higher wages and pensions, a stronger economy, a more successful tourism season, investment in schools and kindergartens, and better opportunities for future generations,” Bečić concluded.

“The partnership with the State of Maine has, over two decades, grown beyond the framework of military cooperation and become one of the most valuable partnerships we have built with the United States. Today, we are further strengthening it through new knowledge, capabilities, and experience, building even stronger ties between our armed forces and our people,” Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović said.

During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their shared interest in continuing and intensifying cooperation in the fields of defence and security, with a particular focus on enhancing operational cooperation, conducting joint military exercises and training, exchanging experience, and developing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Montenegro in line with contemporary security challenges and NATO standards.