SACEUR visits the Croatian Defence Academy
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Curtis Scaparrotti with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Julieta Vallls Noyes and NATO CSEL, Command Sergeant Major Davor Petek on 6 July 2017 visited the Croatian Defence Academy “Dr. Franjo Tuđman”, where he was welcomed by the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević and the Commander of the Academy, Lieutenant General Slavko Barić and the delegation.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević expressed satisfaction over the visit of General Scaparrotti to Croatia and emphasised that the United States were Croatia’s key strategic partner in the domains of defence and security.
“Croatia and the United States share the common values and we cherish the support provided by the United States to the development of Croatian defence capabilities. As a credible NATO nation, we have increased our defence budget by 9%, and the members of our Armed Forces have taken an active part in NATO-led operations and missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo. Croatia will also be among the allies to join two battlegroups within the enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania and Poland, and we have also joined the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL in the operation “INHERENT RESOLVE”.
The Minister concluded by emphasising the intent to continue the successful bilateral co-operation through joint participation in operations, fighting against terrorism and guarding peace and stability in Europe.
General Scaparotti praised the contribution of the Croatian soldiers in NATO-led operations and missions, particularly in Afghanistan as recognised and highly important.
“We appreciate Croatia’s engagement in NATO and the capabilities you have developed. Croatia is an important ally and partner of the United States; we take part in operations together and I am glad that Croatia contributes actively as part of the Global Coalition’s counterterrorist efforts“, stated General Scaparrotti.
[nggallery id=2476]General Scaparrotti delivered a lecture for the students of the War School “Ban Josip Jelačić”, he Command Staff School “Blago Zadro” and Senior NCO School.
The SACEUR also came to Croatia to hold a lecture at the international pilot CSEL Course organised in the Croatian Defence Academy, alongside ACO CSEL, Command Sergeant Major Davor Petek.
The objective of the course is to establish a joint 2-semester final education for the NCOs of the U.S. – Adriatic Charter members and for other interested NATO nations.