Minister Krstičević visits the United Kingdom

The two ministers affirmed the good bilateral relations and praised the visit as the proof of the growing bilateral co-operation.
Minister Krstičević underlined that the United Kingdom was one of Croatia’s most important European allies and partners in the domain of defence.

The ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two ministries of defence, aimed at developing the defence and security co-operation, to underline the political importance of the alliance and bilateral relations.

“A strong Europe and the European Union, respectful of the will of its citizens is our interest but we also respect the referendum decision of the United Kingdom exit from the EU and deem it necessary to reach the appropriate modalities of its future relations with the European Union, particularly with regard to the common security and defence policy…The Memorandum provides the legal and political foundation for a strongher and more productive co-operation“.
The ministers explored the modalities of the bilateral co-operation and the future exercises and training events, highighting the already traditional joint exercise “SAVA STAR“, conducted for the fifth consecutive year.

They discussed the reforms of the Croatian defence system and the drafting of the strategic documents related to security and defence, drawing  on the UK’s recent  experience with the revision and completion of the National Security Strategy. “We sincerely appreciate the approach employed by the United Kingdom and I am taking this opportunity to extend appreciation to our  British colleagues for sharing their experiences with us. We shall continue to discuss the matter at the expert level“, said Ministar Krstičević.

On the defence ministers’ meeting agenda was the situation in southeast Europe, whose stability was  of utmost importance for Croatia as NATO and the EU member. They agreed on the need to strengthen the European perspective of the countries of the region. “It is our imperative to assume a focussed and responsible approach to building peace and stability of the countries in southeast Europe and support them on their Euro-Atlantic path“, concluded the Minister.

Minister Krstičević and the delegation of the Ministry of Defence also met with the representatives of the British Volunteers of the Homeland War, with the Chief of Defence Staff of the Royal Army, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach and the Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Minister of State for Defence, the Right Hon. Earl Howe.
During the visit the Minister took the opportunity to meet the Croatian officers assigned to NATO/EU commands stationed in the United Kingdom.
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