UN General Assembly
2016

Given our experience, we know that institutions are a foundation for the stability of the State and the rule of law. Integration into NATO and the European Union are national strategic priorities. In May this year Montenegro signed the NATO accession protocol. We believe that the process of ratification of the protocol will be finalized in the short term and that we will very soon meet all the formal preconditions to become a full-fledged member State of NATO. The importance of this historic step for Montenegro will not diminish our enthusiasm for the further improvement of our security, legal and political systems, as NATO membership requires. The same applies as regards our readiness to contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond. We have opened 24 of the requisite 35 chapters in the process of our accession to the European Union. We are making strides on the path to membership, reaffirming the potential and capacity of Montenegrin society and its institutions. Montenegro continues to be a reliable and responsible partner for the international community and the United Nations.