Bi-lateral talks were held between Montenegro and NATO, Sept. 23, 2009, at the Maestral conference Centre in Budvar. President Vujanovic of Montenegro expressed to Supreme Allied Commander Europe James Stavridis his country's desire to accelerate the process of becoming a member of the alliance. Others participating were: Minister of Defense Vucinic, Vice Adm. Samardzic (Chief of Defense), Vuk Boskovic (Presidential Advisor for Defense Issues), Ivan Lekovic (Presidential Chief of Cabinet) and Duda Rabrenovic (PR), Stavridis and Ambassador Moore (US).