Minister Anušić and Admiral Hranj congratulated Christmas and New Year holidays to Croatian soldiers in missions and operations

On the eve of the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić and Chief of the CAF General Staff Admiral Robert Hranj sent Christmas and New Year greetings on Wednesday, 20 December 2023 by means of a video conference held in the Command Operations Centre in the Ministry of Defence to members of the Croatian Armed Forces deployed to international missions and operations, and thanked them for their contribution to missions and operations around the world.
Minister Anušić sent a message to members of the Croatian Armed Forces that he is very proud that, through their participation in numerous operations and missions, they continue to contribute to the creation of a positive image about the Republic of Croatia as a reliable ally and partner.

“By participating in missions and operations, you contribute to strengthening of the collective peace and security, but you also show and prove the great reputation of the Croatian soldier, which was acquired in the hardest possible way, in the Homeland War, and afterwards in numerous operations and peace support missions around the world,” said the Defence Minister.
He pointed out that he is particularly pleased with the fact that tomorrow he will visit the members of the 12th Croatian contingent who are deployed to the NATO activity of the enhanced forward presence in the Republic of Poland.
In the end, he said that in this Christmas and New Year season we should all turn to each other and at the same time think that the peace and well-being of Christmas should be our guiding thought in our daily private and professional relationships, and he thanked families of the Croatian soldiers for providing support in their choice, far from the Homeland.

The Chief of the General Staff, Admiral Hranj, sent a message to members of the Croatian Armed Forces that during the execution of all tasks in operations and missions, they should be careful, keeping in mind their safety and that of their colleagues: “Let your safety come first, protect the reputation of the Republic of Croatia and of the members of the Croatian Armed Forces, which is widely known and respected”.

Contingent commanders and leaders of the national teams deployed to peace support operations and missions sent holiday greetings to everyone in Croatia, especially to their families, who, they emphasized, provided them with immense support, especially during this holiday season when families are together and they all mark one of the biggest Christian holidays.

In addition to the Minister of Defence and Chief of the CAF General Staff, Deputy Chief of the CAF General Staff, LTG Siniša Jurković, Director of the CAF General Staff, MG Krešo Tuškan, and Commander of the Command Operations Centre, BG Željko Ljubas were also present in the Command Operations Centre.

Currently, there are 312 members of the Croatian Armed Forces deployed to 11 peace support missions and operations.