Deputy Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson provided the following readout:
Today, Deputy Secretary Work welcomed Montenegrin Minister of Defense Milica Pejanovic-Djurisic to the Pentagon, where they discussed opportunities to further cooperation and emerging security challenges.
Work applauded Pejanovic-Djurisic and her country for their expanded contributions to NATO missions. Additionally, the deputy secretary congratulated Montenegro on the recent signing of its Accession Protocol, which sets the stage for ratification by the 28 NATO allies, and emphasized U.S. support for Montenegro’s NATO membership.
Work also thanked the minister of defense on Montenegro’s contributions in Afghanistan.
Work reiterated the department's commitment to sustaining strong bilateral relationships and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to our allies and partners.