State Secretary Galić Meets with Major General Manke
This year marks 30 years of cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces and the Minnesota National Guard
State Secretary Tomislav Galić met today at the Ministry of Defence with the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, Major General Shawn Manke.
The Croatian Armed Forces and the Minnesota National Guard have successfully cooperated for three decades through the State Partnership Program. This year marks the 30th anniversary of that partnership.
Events marking this milestone are being held both in Minnesota and Croatia. As part of the anniversary activities, members of the Minnesota National Guard are also participating in the international joint military exercise Combat Power 26.
State Secretary Galić highlighted the long-standing and excellent cooperation, noting that it has made a significant contribution to the development of the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces.
“The United States is a strategic defence ally of the Republic of Croatia, and we highly appreciate the U.S. contribution to the development of Croatia’s defence capabilities. In this context, our partnership with the Minnesota National Guard represents a key component of that contribution. Our partnership will remain one of our priorities, with a focus on further expanding this outstanding cooperation,” State Secretary Galić said.
The Croatian Armed Forces and the Minnesota National Guard cooperate on numerous capability development and modernisation projects. The acquisition of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and the modernisation of the Croatian Air Force through the procurement of UH-60 Black Hawk multi-purpose helicopters have further strengthened cooperation with the Minnesota National Guard, as these systems are also operated by the U.S. side.
The partnership also includes the development of military training areas in the Republic of Croatia, cyber capabilities, artillery, countermine capabilities, and water purification capabilities. Civil-military cooperation has also been enhanced through the involvement of the defence system in strengthening the resilience of society as a whole, in cooperation with participants in the Homeland Security System.
Members of the Minnesota National Guard regularly participate in military exercises conducted in Croatia.
