RACVIAC 10th Anniversary
Centre for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC) celebrated on Wednesday, October 20, 10 years of work. At a ceremony in the “Vitez Damir Martic” barracks in Rakitje were President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Ivo Josipovic, envoy of the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence Branko Vukelic, Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Selmo Cikotic and Sven Alkalaj, Minister of Defence of Montenegro Boro Vucinic, Chief of CAF General Staff General Josip Lucic, ambassadors and other senior civil and military officials of RACVIAC member countries as well as those interested in its work.
RACVIAC Director Ambassador Nikola Todorcevski said that the RACVIAC was successful project ready for new challenges and achievements. In the past ten years RACVIAC hosted nearly 7300 participants and lecturers through nearly 300 activities. He noted that the RACVIAC was a unique international organization that continuously contributed to stability and security in the region. First RACVIAC director Nikola Nogolica recalled on the RACVIAC beginning which was established in 200 by signing the bilateral agreement between the Republic of Croatia and Republic of Germany, with a basic task to assist in the implementation of agreements on arms control in all the countries of Southeast Europe. A representative of the Federal Republic of Germany Peter Gottwald expressed his satisfaction with the RACVIAC development, which in accordance with changes in the region has been changing its mission, and has evolved into a platform for dialogue on security cooperation. Gottwald believes that the centre would continue to develop instruments of security, stability and confidence.
On behalf of the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence Branko Vukelic congratulated on the previous work and whished successful work in the future. He noted that RACVIAC played an important role in building trust, development of peace, cooperation and stability in South-eastern Europe, which were prerequisites for progress, not only in the region but also in Europe and beyond.
Today, the area of work of RACVIAC is security. “On the one hand it points to the possibility of long survival and activity, and on the other means constantly changing and adapting to anticipate extensive international development in the area of security, to contribute to the needs of countries and not only to this part of Europe”. Vukelic said and added that RACVIAC had support of the Government.
President Ivo Josipovic said that the cooperation and participation in international organizations and regional initiatives, good relations and cooperation with countries in the region, primarily with neighbours was fundamental, and that the resolution of mutual opened issues would be impossible without the cooperation, discussion and agreement. “The results of RACVIAC activities is an argument for that position” Josipovic said. “Putting the focus of Centre’s activities on the question of security in a broader sense, are the indicators of overall efforts to stabilize the region”, President Josipovic said, adding that he believed that the Centre would evolve in this direction.