NSHQ Commander visits Ministry of Defence
The Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov on 2 March 2018 met with the NATO Special Operations Headquarters Commander, Vice Admiral Colin J. Kilrain during his two-day visit to the Republic of Croatia.
In his welcome address Minister Krstičević stated that the Republic of Croatia was a credible NATO partner, as evinced by the engagement in two NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence acitivties and in NATO-led operations (in Afghanistan and in Kosovo). “Croatia intends to keep its image of a small country fighting way above its weight“ , as the U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said.
The Ministar expressed appreciation for the advisory support and mentoring by NATO Special Operations Headquarters with the development of new capabilities of the Croatian special forces.
Vice Admiral Kilrain praised Croatia’s contribution to NATO Special Operations Headquarters, which was established to gather special forces of the member nations and assist with their standardisation and capability building. VADM Kilrain also highlighted the intent to conduct training activities in Croatia.
Minister Krstičević and VADM Kilrain confirmed the mutual interest in expanding the already excellent co-operation.