On September 12, the International Security Program hosted the Montenegrin Minister of Defense Professor Milica Pejanović-Đurišić, PhD, together with prominent representatives from the US Government, allied foreign services and think tank community for a private strategy session over lunch.

Professor Pejanović-Đurišić presented an overview of the current political and security environment in Montenegro, including its NATO aspirations, and provided a perspective on the recently implemented defense, political, and economic reforms which were recognized in the Chicago Summit Declaration in May 2012. The invited group of experts offered expertise on Montenegro’s next steps towards becoming a NATO ally. Discussion focused on a number of key issues including an increased cooperation with other key states in the southeast Europe region and enhancing transparency, consistency, and reassurance through its foreign and defense policy actions. The group complimented the minister for Montenegro’s leading role in the Balkan region and among the current NATO aspirant countries.

Professor Milica Pejanović-Đurišić is a major force in Montenegrin politics and is likely to take an even greater leadership role in the future. She was appointed Minister of Defense of Montenegro in March 2012. A Professor and Director of Telecommunications and Wireless Communications at the University of Montenegro, she also has considerable industry experience, having served as President of the Board of Directors of Telekom Montenegro from 1999 to 2002. Professor Pejanović-Đurišić was one of the founders of the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro, served as a Member of Parliament from 1992 to 2001, and was head of the party from 1997-1998. From 2004 to 2006, she was Ambassador of Serbia & Montenegro to Belgium and Luxembourg. After Montenegro became independent in 2006, Professor Pejanović-Đurišić became its first Ambassador to France, Monaco, and UNESCO.

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