Minister Anušić: You are Members of a Victorious Army, You Will Uphold Its Reputation in The KFOR Mission

An official farewell ceremony for the 45th Croatian Contingent (HRVCON) deploying to the NATO-led peace support mission KFOR in Kosovo was held today at the ‘Colonel Predrag Matanović’ Barracks in Petrinja.

A total of 133 members of the 45th Croatian contingent are deploying to NATO’s KFOR mission in the Republic of Kosovo, including 12 female soldiers.

The Commander of the 45th Croatian contingent is Colonel Marijan Grđan.

Minister Anušić: The Croatian Armed Forces Are Unique

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić addressed the members of the Croatian contingent and stressed that Croatian soldiers are recognised and respected in the international environment.

“Every Croatian soldier and every Croatian contingent deployed to missions abroad has always earned the highest praise and respect of the fellow soldiers from NATO member states,” the Minister said.

“Reflecting on the foundations of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Homeland War, Minister Anušić emphasised that the Croatian military is unique.”

“The Croatian Armed Forces are a victorious military, built from volunteer detachments, which halted the enemy and, four years later, won the Homeland War. This is what sets the Croatian Army apart from other militaries worldwide. You belong to this very victorious army. You will protect and uphold the reputation of the Croatian Armed Forces during your KFOR mission as well.”

Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defence Ivica Olujić said: “You are departing for the Republic of Kosovo, a friendly country, to safeguard peace and stability. You also carry the responsibility of representing the Croatian Armed Forces and the Republic of Croatia.”

Representative of the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces and Head of the Operations Directorate Brigadier General Ivan Raos conveyed the greetings of the Chief of the General Staff to the members of the 45th Croatian contingent and wished them a successful deployment and a safe return.

“The task ahead of you is demanding. It requires responsibility and professionalism. We have no doubt that you will carry it out honourably, to the pride of your families, the Croatian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, and the Republic of Croatia,” General Raos emphasized.

Addressing members of the contingent, Commander of the 45th Croatian contingent Colonel Marijan Grđan said: “By participating in the KFOR mission since 2009, Croatia has demonstrated its commitment to international security. Through their service in KFOR, members of the 45th Croatian contingent represent the Croatian Armed Forces and the values on which modern Croatia is built: peace and stability, responsibility, and readiness to contribute to international security.”

The largest component of the 45th Croatian contingent is the motorised infantry company, with the main force consisting of members of the 1st Mechanised Battalion “Tigrovi” of the Guards Mechanised Brigade.

Members of the Croatian contingent will be stationed at three locations: Camp Film City in Priština, the APOD at Slatina near Priština, and Camp Villaggio Italia in Peć, where the majority of personnel will be deployed.

Members of the Croatian Armed Forces have participated in NATO’s KFOR peace support mission since 2009, contributing to a safe and stable environment and supporting Kosovo’s security institutions.

Alongside the families of the members of the 45th Croatian contingent, those attending the ceremonial send-off at the Petrinja barracks included Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defence Ivica Olujić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, representative of the Chief of the General Staff and Head of the Operations Directorate Brigadier General Ivan Raos, Sisak Bishop Monsignor Vlado Košić, and other distinguished guests.