A traditional Christmas reception held at the Ministry of Defence

On Monday, December 18, 2023 a traditional Christmas reception was held at the Ministry of Defence. It was hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić.

Apart from representatives of the Croatian Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces, the traditional Christmas reception was attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces and Croatian President Zoran Milanović, and Chief of the CAF General Staff Admiral Robert Hranj together with his associates.

Minister Anušić used the opportunity to point out that the previous year was very productive for the Croatian Armed Forces in the context of equipping and modernising their capabilities.

“Projects, such as equipping the Croatian Air Force with Rafale combat aircraft that will arrive in Croatia next year, the procurement of powerful Black Hawk helicopters and Bradley armoured combat vehicles for the Croatian Army, including many other projects, show that we are going in the right direction and will continue to do so in the following year,” Minister Anušić said, wishing everyone present a happy and blessed Christmas and a successful New Year.

Congratulating the Christmas and New Year holidays, Chief of the CAF General Staff Admiral Hranj said that 2023 was a challenging and successful year for the CAF General Staff and the Croatian Armed Forces, and that he hopes for the same in the following year: “I expect that we will continue to work with the same intensity starting from January, and that we will successfully overcome all challenges in order for the Armed Forces to be what they are, which is the main force for our country’s defence”.

Croatian President Zoran Milanović said that the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces have full support in the form of equipping and modernisation projects, especially in the project of acquiring coastal patrol boats, and in other projects of strategic interest and importance for the Armed Forces.

“The previous year was challenging, but our common interest remains our country, our Homeland to which we are loyal and will remain loyal. In that spirit, I wish you and your families a lot of health, happiness and success,” President Milanović said.

At the end of the Christmas reception, Military Ordinary in the Republic of Croatia Monsignor Jure Bogdan extended his blessing to everyone.