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As newest UN member, Montenegro voices hope in multilateralism

As newest UN member, Montenegro voices hope in multilateralism

Filip Vujanovic, President of the Republic of Montenegro
As the newest United Nations Member State, Montenegro is imbued with a strong sense of political responsibility and committed to multilateralism, the South-East European nation’s leader told the General Assembly’s annual high-level debate today.

President Filip Vujanović said that statehood “represents political freedom, but also a responsibility,” qualities that can be found in the UN and its Charter which promulgate mutual equality and respect among all nations.

“Multilateralism as the core of the international system inspires strong motivation and commitment,” the President said, adding that the UN provides a dependable structure to promote peace and security, human rights, democracy, respect for international law and development.

Mr. Vujanović also called for a pragmatic reform process at the United Nations. “As a small State, we are particularly interested in strengthening authority of the General Assembly and other main UN bodies.”

He added that at the heart of the overall reform process should be transforming the Security Council, taking into account “equitable regional representation, transparency and improvement in working methods.”

Regarding the country’s security policy, which is “centered around multilateral cooperation, Montenegro is making a step forward with the aim to create a legislative framework for deployment of our police, military and civilian personnel to the UN peacekeeping missions,” he said.