The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, paid an official visit today, Tuesday, to Montenegro, where he met in Podgorica with the country’s Minister of Defense, Dragan Krapović.
According to the relevant announcement, during the talks between the two sides, 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 were discussed.
Mr. Dendias reiterated Athens’ support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, stressing that Montenegro’s accession to the European Union constitutes a factor of stability and security for the entire region.
“We strongly support Montenegro’s European path and will be pleased to see it join our European family as soon as possible,” he said, noting that Greece remains firmly committed to the “Thessaloniki Agenda” for the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU.
As he stressed, “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 HCDI
Mr. Dendias also stated that he presented to Montenegro’s military leadership the reform of the Greek Armed Forces, known as “Agenda 2030.”
As he said, Greece is willing to share its experience, considering the reform an investment both in the two countries’ cooperation in NATO and in their future cooperation within the European Union.
At the same time, he referred to the innovation ecosystem being developed through the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (HCDI), expressing Athens’ intention to cooperate with Montenegro in this field as well.
“Security within Europe is a common effort. There are challenges coming from states as well as from various malicious actors. If we do not cooperate, our societies and our countries cannot be safe,” he stated.
Concluding his statements, the Minister of National Defense expressed confidence that the cooperation between Greece and Montenegro will continue to develop for the benefit of the two countries, as well as for stability and prosperity in Europe.