On July 13, 2025, the United States extended its warmest congratulations to the people of Montenegro on their Statehood Day, marking 15 years since the country’s accession to NATO. In a press statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the nation’s commitment to collective defense and pledged continued support for the country’s growing partnership with Washington.
As a valued member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Montenegro has demonstrated its unwavering dedication to securing a safer and more prosperous future for the Western Balkans. The US is committed to deepening this partnership, with a focus on infrastructure, energy, defense, and technology cooperation.
Among the key areas of collaboration are efforts to strengthen regional security and promote economic growth. The US appreciates Montenegro’s leadership in meeting NATO’s 5 percent defense spending goal, a testament to its shared commitment to collective defense and security.
“The people of Montenegro have proven themselves to be strong partners in our shared pursuit of peace and stability,” said Secretary Rubio. “We look forward to continuing our close bilateral relationship and working together to address the complex challenges facing our region.”
Key Partnerships
- Infrastructure development: The US and Montenegro are collaborating on various infrastructure projects, including the development of regional transportation networks.
- Energy cooperation: Both countries aim to strengthen their energy partnership, with a focus on promoting sustainable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Defense modernization: Montenegro is receiving US support in modernizing its defense capabilities, including the acquisition of new military equipment and training programs.
The US-Montenegro partnership has yielded significant results since the country’s accession to NATO in 2017. This close relationship serves as a model for regional cooperation and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Western Balkans.
A Lasting Commitment
As Montenegro celebrates its Statehood Day, it is clear that the US remains committed to strengthening this vital partnership. With a shared vision for a safer and more prosperous future, our nations will continue to work together to address the complex challenges facing our region.
The United States looks forward to building on this foundation of trust and cooperation, working closely with Montenegro to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the Western Balkans.