Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović said that the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Ankara is being held "at the right time and in the right country."
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ibrahimović described the organization of the summit as "magnificent" and thanked host Turkey for its hospitality and for organizing it.
Ibrahimović said, "It is of great importance that the summit is being held in Ankara at such a difficult time. I believe that strong statements will be made at the conclusion of the Ankara summit."
The Montenegrin minister stated that a clear message of unity will be delivered at the NATO summit and that strong responses will be given to the challenges facing the world.
Ibrahimović noted that the summit will also address strengthening defense capabilities and providing the necessary support to end the conflict in Ukraine, and stressed that each member in NATO bears responsibility for collective security.
Pointing out that Montenegro plays an active role at all levels, Ibrahimović said, "NATO is demonstrating more and more convincingly every day how important it is for global security. It is also important that NATO shows it is ready to respond to current and potential challenges."
Ibrahimović said that after the Ankara summit, a strong signal will be sent that the allies act together when it comes to peace, stability and security.
Drawing attention to Turkey's important role in ensuring peace and stability in the Western Balkans, Ibrahimović stated that Montenegro also plays a significant role in the region. "After joining NATO in 2017, we became not only a strong member of the alliance but also one of the guarantors of peace and stability in the region," he said.
Stating that Montenegro's gains from NATO membership serve as an example, Ibrahimović said that recent tensions, especially in the Persian Gulf, show that one cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening.
Ibrahimović emphasized that since joining NATO, Montenegro has recorded significant economic development and that the concept of a "safe country" is particularly important for investors.
Touching on defense cooperation with Turkey, Ibrahimović said, "We see Turkey as a reliable NATO partner. Turkey is also a friendly country. We appreciate Turkey's defense capabilities. In the coming period, we want to establish much closer defense cooperation with Turkey."
Noting that Montenegro is pleased to develop good relations with Turkey, which possesses advanced defense technologies, Ibrahimović said that Turkey is an important NATO ally and plays an important role globally when it comes to peace and stability.
Ibrahimović said, "We have a lot to learn from Turkey, especially in the field of defense. We hope that important joint projects in this area will be launched soon."
Pointing out that small countries also make an important contribution to NATO security, Ibrahimović said that despite being a small country, Montenegro actively participates in all areas, and that burden sharing and proportional responsibility strengthen the alliance.
Noting that they have fulfilled the defense commitments made at the summit in The Hague last year, Ibrahimović explained that last year Montenegro allocated 2.05 percent of its GDP to defense spending, aims to increase this ratio to 2.25 percent this year, and plans to reach the target level by 2035.
Ibrahimović added that Montenegro will continue to play a constructive role within NATO, strengthen its defense capabilities, and remain a reliable ally of the alliance.
