General Lovric attends A-5 Conference of chiefs of general staff
Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Drago Lovric attended the 14th conference of chiefs of general staff of the signatory countries of the US-Adriatic Charter (A-5) held on 27 and 28 June 2011 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Federal Republic of Germany.
Chairman and host of the conference was Deputy Commander of the United States Command Europe Lieutenant General John D. Gardner who welcomed attendees and stressed the importance of meeting and the importance of the US-Adriatic Charter as a symbol of successful cooperation and partnership.
A joint statement has been signed at the Conference by the chiefs of general staff of the A-5 initiative where the commitment to strengthening cooperation within the US-Adriatic Charter was confirmed.
During the meeting, the commitment to strengthen relations with countries signatories, and deepen cooperation through the development of regional initiatives was confirmed. They talked about relationships in the region as part of joint efforts to preserve a lasting peace and stability, and it was emphasized that there was a need for a regional approach in the construction, improvement and maintenance of the key capabilities and knowledge.
They also emphasized the need for comprehensive, integrated and interoperable system in providing regional airspace picture.
During the discussion it was also highlighted the importance of regional training activities and exercises that can be extended to invite greater participation and include a regional approach to security and the crisis response system, particularly humanitarian and disaster relief.
It was once more confirmed that the US-Adriatic Charter from 2003 was the instrument for developing a positive climate for further strengthening of security in the region. Next meeting is scheduled for autumn 2011 in the Republic of Croatia.
Joint Statement was signed by: Deputy Commander of the United States Europe Command Lieutenant General John Gardner, Chief of Defence of the Republic of Albania, Brigadier General Maksim Malaj, Deputy Chief of General Staff of Bosnia and Herzegovina Major General Rizvo Pleh, Chief of General Staff of Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Drago Lovric, Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Macedonia Lieutenant General Miroslav Stojanovski and Chief of General Staff of Montenegro Vice Admiral Dragan Samardzic.
They expressed their gratitude to the United States Europe Command for hosting this important and constructive event, Joint Force Command Naples for their constant support of the Adriatic Charter and for the contribution to this meeting, Serbia and Slovenia on participation and contribution to the exchange of views and ideas with members of the Adriatic Charter.