Greeting from Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović on July 13th, Montenegro Independence Day

On July 13th, Montenegro's Independence Day, I extend my sincere congratulations, with the wish that we celebrate this great holiday with dignity, pride in our country's freedom tradition, and the values that have shaped its identity through the centuries. On this day, through the decisions of the Berlin Congress, Montenegro's independence was internationally recognized, crowning a centuries-long struggle for freedom and the right to self-determination. On July 13th, 1941, from the same desire for freedom, a people's uprising against fascist occupation emerged, one of the first organized uprisings in enslaved Europe. It is our duty to preserve the memory of those who built the foundations of modern Montenegro through their deeds and sacrifices, and to responsibly continue developing a country based on freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and mutual respect. The Ministry of Defense and the Army of Montenegro remain committed to maintaining peace, security, and stability, further improving defense capabilities, and fulfilling obligations as a NATO member. I am confident that, relying on unity, responsibility, and patriotism, we will continue to build a safe, prosperous, and European Montenegro for the benefit of current and future generations.