BAR, Montenegro – This morning, NATO ships assigned to Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group TWO (SNMCMG2) arrived in Bar for a scheduled port visit during the Group’s deployment to the Mediterranean to enhance maritime security and readiness. This visit aims to strengthen the cooperation and partnership with Montenegro.

This Group has recently completed participation in the Hellenic Navy-led exercise ARIADNE in the Gulf of Patras. Mine counter measure operations were exercised under an imminent danger of asymmetric threats in the coastal waters and harbour entrance of Patras.

Led by Captain Ramazan Kesgin, (TUR N), SNMCMG2 is currently composed of the flagship Turkish tender TCG CEZAYIRLI GAZI HASAN PASA and the mine hunters TCG EDREMIT (Turkey) and ESPS TAMBRE (Spain).

Building upon the operational framework offered by this and recent port visits the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations (DCOS OPS) of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), Commodore Arian Minderhoud (NLD N), is to meet with Montenegro senior civilian and military officials to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During the port visit, the Group will share its experiences in mine warfare operations with Montenegro Navy officers and cadets and participate in activities designed to enhance understanding and friendship between the Montenegro Navy and NATO Sailors. 

Upon conclusion of the port visit, SNMCMG2 will participate in tactical manoeuvring exercises with Montenegro Navy, while embarking Sailors to observe procedures and interact in activities aboard the NATO ships.  These activities at sea are designed to enhance high levels of interoperability and familiarization between naval partners. 

"This is a special moment for us since it is the first visit of a NATO Standing Naval Force to Montenegro since the announcement of Montenegro’s invitation to start accession talks to join the Alliance” said Commodore Minderhoud.  "The path together promoting the military dialogue and cooperation in support of maritime security and stability should continue since it has proved its importance.” 

"SNMCMG2 was fortunate to be able to train with the Montenegro Navy last September, and over the period they have become an important partner for the Alliance, at Sea." said Captain Kesgin. "Visiting the Port of Bar, again, and conducting another PASSEX with their Navy; emphasizes our Mutual Understanding, Interoperability and practical Co-Operation during Exercises and Operations".