DPM Bečić meets with newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy Michael Keays

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić received the newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States Embassy Michael Keays.

At the start of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić welcomed Mr. Keays, emphasizing that Montenegro and the United States are reliable allies sharing common values and continue to strengthen strategic cooperation across multiple fields.

Bečić expressed gratitude for what he described as the sincere, friendly, and constructive approach of the U.S. Embassy, highlighting the Government’s clear priorities: strong institutions, the strengthening of socio-economic conditions, and an uncompromising fight against organized crime and corruption, alongside successful European integration and credible NATO membership.

The foundation of numerous reforms we have implemented is stability, which stems from a cohesive Government and clear parliamentary support since the beginning of the mandate. From a stalled EU accession process that we inherited, we received a positive IBAR at the start of the term and have since closed 11 chapters, with a clear plan to complete the process by year-end, said Bečić.

He stressed that comprehensive reforms in the security and defence sectors are being implemented in parallel, including personnel renewal, creating opportunities for young professionals, motivating skilled staff, and conducting vetting processes that remove any unlawful influence in accordance with legal mechanisms.

We have provided opportunities for professionals who act solely in the interest of the law and ensured full coordination and trust among key institutions, with strong international cooperation and support. Citizens now clearly see that the state is regaining strength and that no one is untouchable. Every attempt to halt genuine reforms has been swiftly and decisively dealt with. Every panic-driven attack, manipulation, or hybrid action only strengthens our resolve to ensure the rule of law prevails over all tentacles and extensions of organized crime. The results are historic, from dismantling tobacco mafias and drug cartels to tackling economic and environmental crime, now a national priority, and through numerous joint operations with international partners, including the major operation ‘General,’” Bečić noted, expressing special gratitude to the United States for its support in training, capacity building, and enhancing Montenegro’s defence and security system.

He further emphasized that, with U.S. support, Montenegro is witnessing historic investments in capacity building, including construction and renovation of facilities, procurement of equipment, and digitalization and modernization of defence and security processes.

The Deputy Prime Minister assessed that, following the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations, numerous joint achievements, and completed projects, the conclusion of an intergovernmental agreement between the two countries will crown the cooperation so far and form a solid basis for deepening strategic partnership for the benefit of citizens.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Michael Keays highlighted that U.S. security institutions, including the FBI, DEA, and the State Department through INL programmes, have expressed satisfaction with cooperation with Montenegro, particularly in combating organized crime. He stressed that concrete results in this area further strengthen trust and confirm Montenegro as a credible partner. Keays also emphasized the importance of strengthening defence capacities, praising the opening of the new Navy Command building in Bar, which enhances Montenegro’s operational capabilities and integrity as a reliable NATO member.

He concluded by reiterating the United States’ readiness to continue strong technical and expert support for reforms aimed at enhancing Montenegro’s capacity to combat transnational organized crime and strengthen its role as a NATO member.