Written by
Mrs Judy Rasing Reinke
US Ambassador to Montenegro
We congratulate Montenegro, our friend, partner and ally, on its second year of NATO membership.
NATO is the most successful alliance of all times. In the past 70 years, NATO provided the most secure, most stable, and most prosperous period in its history. From refusing to give in to the threats of the Cold War in the last century, to facing hybrid threats that are present even today, NATO allies stand together in the protection of our nations.
The strength of NATO lies in the preservation and unity of its fundamental principles. Our dedication to the collective defense of all NATO Member States is unfaltering. On the behalf of the American people I would like to thank brave men and women in Montenegro for their service in peaceful missions of NATO. Your soldiers are known for their professionalism and that’s something you should be proud of. That reminds us of the fact that NATO doesn’t have small allies but only the strong ones.
NATO is the Alliance of the states that have united, as according to the NATO charter, “they are committed to safeguarding freedom, joint heritage and civilization of nations, based on the principles of democracies, individual freedom and rule of law”.
Montenegro is already witnessing benefits of its NATO membership, as security is stronger, tourism is boosting and the interest of investors if constantly growing. For example, total foreign investments in Montenegro amounted €402 million in 2018. Similarly, according to the data provided by the Statistical Office of Montenegro, number of overnights of tourists has increased by 20%.
I believe this trend will continue with the improvement of rule of law and economic possibilities in Montenegro. Montenegrin market is already very attractive to American investors who are currently financing various projects in the sector of tourism and energy.
As your ally, the USA will keep supporting Montenegro in its endeavors to become part of the Euro-Atlantic family. EU membership is the next objective and we will continue assisting citizens of Montenegro in the implementation of necessary reforms.
Two years of NATO membership and Montenegro is the leader among the neighbors. Your contribution to the safety of this region deserves respect and recognition of all NATO allies.
Congratulations, Montenegro! We are proud to call you our ally and we are looking forward to the future partnership with all the citizens of this beautiful country.
