My message to the people in the Western Balkans is that we would like to see them as members of the North Atlantic family. We are willing to help them in implementing reforms and developing peace and stability, Rasmussen said after his talks with Montenegro's officials in the coastal resort of Becici near the Adriatic city of Budva.
Rasmussen, who held a joint news conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Igor Luksic, praised Montenegro for successfully carrying out activities from the Membership Action Plan (MAP).
He commended Montenegro for its contribution and role in promoting regional stability and security, adding that more efforts should be invested in the struggle against organised crime and corruption.
He also commended Montenegro for its deployment in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and for its contribution to the U.S.-Adriatic Charter.
In Becici, Rasmussen was attending a ministerial meeting of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter.