Minister Buljević visits members of CAF in Kosovo
On 7 March 2013, during his officilal visit to the Republic of Kosovo, the Croatian Defence Minister Josip Buljević met with Major General Guglielmo Miglietta, the Commander of KFOR. and with the members of the 20th HRVCON to KFOR.
The Minister and the KFOR Commander exchanged views on the current security situation in Kosovo and southeast Europe as well as on KFOR’ efforts towards further stabilisation and security in the country. Maj. Gen. Miglietta briefed Minister Buljević on KFOR organisation and tasks as well as on the current operation priorities. He commended the commitment of the Republic of Croatia and its Armed Forces in KFOR providing airlift and advisory assistance to the Kosovo Security Force.
Minister Buljević stressed the importance of KFOR and its role in the stabilisation and security of Kosovo, and by in souteast Europe as well. Buljević Minister also stressed the important role of KFOR in the transition of Kosovo into a viable democracy. KFOR will continue its presence in Kosovo in view of the unstable European security environmnet and new threats and challenges.
The stability of Kosovo is crucial for the stability of southeast Europe, and KFOR is a guarantee of security, stability and the development of democratic institutions of Kosovo and for inter-ethnic trust. The stability of southeast Europe is of interest for Croatia as well, and it will continue its contribution. As a NATO nation Croatia will support the engagement of KFOR in the area as long as necessary, with increased contribution as a function of the circumstances.
Minister Buljević also visited the members of the 20th HRVCON depoloyed to KFOR. The Contingent members briefed the Minister on the tasks assigned to them in the Operation. Minister buljević appreciated their professionalism and commitment shown in the exercise of the demanding duties, which have earned them respect from the allied countries. The contribution from the members of the Croatian Armed Forces taking part in international operations and missions earned the Republic of Croatia reputation of an international security sustainer.
The 20th HRVCON that is presently deployed to KFOR is composed of 22 members of the Croatian Armed Forces – flight crews, logistic and staff personnel – operating two Mi-171 Sh helicopters. The Contingent is primarily assigned with airlift, the KFOR Headquarters and in NATO advisory teams in the Ministry of the Kosovo Security Force.
The Croatian Armed Forces have deployed contingents to KFOR since 2009, with a total of 410 troops (12 females) and logging 7,849 helicopter flights.