Coronavirus response: The Netherlands delivers critical medical aid to Montenegro in response to COVID-19
Today (22 April 2020), the Netherlands has transported 7,000 kilo / 70m³ of personal protective equipment and medical supplies from Beijing (China) to Podgorica (Montenegro), in support of Allied efforts against the COVID-19 global pandemic, following Montenegro’s request for assistance through NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre. The delivery was made with a cargo plane. It included masks, gloves, test kits, protective clothes, goggles, thermometers and face shields. A second delivery of medical material funded by the Netherlands to Montenegro is foreseen to be organized in early May.
The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre is NATO’s principal disaster response mechanism. The Centre operates on a 24/7 basis, coordinating requests from NATO Allies and partners, as well as offers of assistance to cope with the consequences of major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Various other mechanisms have been used in this instance, including purchases by the Government of Montenegro, European Union assistance for urgent medical supplies to Montenegro and donations from China.
In early April, Montenegro received masks, overalls, and test kits from Turkey as part of medical supplies provided by Turkey to other NATO Allies and partners in Balkans, including North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.