site.btaDefence Minister Karakachanov: Western Balkan Countries' EU, NATO Integration Will Ensure Lasting Peace

Podgorica, May 22 (BTA) - Defence Minister Krassimir Karakachanov took part in the 8th To Be Secure Forum in Budva during his official visit to Montenegro, the Defence Ministry reported Tuesday.

The EU and NATO integration of all Western Balkan countries will ensure lasting peace, stability and prosperity for all nations in the region, Karakachanov said, adding that this is a prerequisite for the region to become a generator of security, instead of being a consumer. He expressed Bulgaria's readiness to assist with its experience the countries in the region in their efforts towards European and Euroatlantic integration.

"Today we are faced with especially dynamic challenges to our common security. We are obliged to work together towards building sufficient institutional capacity in the security sectors of all countries, so that they can resist hostile external influences," the Bulgarian Defence Minister said.

The Forum is organized by Montenegro and is attended by the defence ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro, NATO and EU representatives, political analysts and journalists.

Karakachanov had a bilateral meeting with U.S. State Department Director for South Central European Affairs Matthew Palmer, held on the Forum's sidelines. The two discussed current topics pertaining to security in the region, as well as cooperation with the US in the fields of security and defence.