Defense Minister Nikos Dendias paid an official visit to Montenegro today, Tuesday, where he met with the country’s Defense Minister, Dragan Krapović, in Podgorica.
According to the relevant announcement, during the talks between the two sides, they discussed developments in the wider region, the need to strengthen European strategic autonomy, as well as the further deepening of defense cooperation between Greece and Montenegro.
Mr. Dendias reiterated Athens’ support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, emphasizing that Montenegro’s accession to the European Union is a factor of stability and security for the entire region.
“We strongly support Montenegro’s European path and look forward to seeing it join our European family as soon as possible,” he said, noting that Greece remains firmly committed to the “Thessaloniki Agenda” for the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.
As he emphasized, “Europe cannot be truly stable and secure as long as the Western Balkans are not part of it,” adding that there should be no “gaps” in the European security architecture.
The “Agenda 2030” and ELKAK
Mr. Dendias also noted that he presented the reform of the Greek Armed Forces, known as “Agenda 2030,” to Montenegro’s military leadership.
As he said, Greece is eager to share its experience, viewing the reform as an investment in both the two countries’ cooperation within NATO and their future collaboration within the European Union.
At the same time, he referred to the innovation ecosystem being developed through the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK), expressing Athens’ intention to cooperate with Montenegro in this area as well.
“Security within Europe is a joint effort. There are challenges posed by states as well as by various malicious actors. If we do not cooperate, our societies and countries cannot be secure,” he stated.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister of National Defense expressed his confidence that cooperation between Greece and Montenegro will continue to develop for the benefit of both countries, as well as for stability and prosperity in Europe.