Spajić with the Assistant Secretary General of NATO: Focus on development, identity-related tensions are left behind

NATO particularly appreciates the role of Montenegro in preserving peace and defusing regional tensions, and our country is ready to set an example of contributing more strongly to resolving open issues in the Western Balkans - this is the conclusion of the meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security, Scott Bray, who is visiting Montenegro.

With a focus on the economy and strengthening the standard of living of citizens, instead of issues of ethnic divisions, we are guided by the role model of developed countries such as Singapore, where the standard of citizens is at such a level that every fifth household is a millionaire. We have left the issues of identity-related divisions behind us - with our example, we want to provide a reliable backing for the entire region and our international partners, said Prime Minister Spajić.

In order to be prosperous, the region must leave the past behind and focus on the economy and development. It is time for the standard of citizens to come first in the Western Balkans. With the election of the 44^th Government, Montenegro has certainly moved forward on that path he concluded.

The Prime Minister recalled the implementation of the Census of Population, Households and Dwellings as a model whereby pending issues can be resolved and said that Montenegro is ready to help and contribute to defusing tensions in the region.

NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security, Scott Bray, said that NATO highly appreciates the constructive role of Montenegro in the region. "As a country that has no open issues with its neighbors, fully aligned with the EU's common foreign and security policy and focused on economic development, your country sets an example for others and is a reliable partner of NATO in the Western Balkans" said Bray.

The meeting discussed the current situation in the security sector and reiterated full support for Montenegro in the implementation of NATO security priorities and policies.