Minister Kotromanović visits Croatian Navy

After paying tribute to fallen members in the Memorial Room of the Navy, the Minister held a meeting with Navy Commander Rear Admiral (UH) Ante Urlić and his closest associates.

Speaking of activities, tasks and situation in the Navy, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Urlić pointed out that the Navy was the greatest authority in protecting our interests at sea, which continually develops its skills. Navy has 6 Force Goals, it gives a significant contribution to international peace support operations and has an extensive international cooperation. During the last year alone there were more than 100 bilateral and multilateral international activities. He pointed to the importance of the Coast Guard as well as good inter-ministerial cooperation that has been realized within it. The Admiral has been satisfied with the manning of the Navy and with the fact that in the Navy Centre for the training soldiers, sailors, NCOs and partly naval officers have been educated.

Minister Kotromanović expressed satisfaction with the visit to the Croatian Navy. According to Minister, it is necessary to continue to develop the capabilities of the Navy and Coast Guard, as well as good civil-military cooperation. Commenting on the budget of Ministry of Defence, he pointed out the necessity of saving and the optimal use of budgetary funds. When the Navy comes in for this year, we have allocated more funds for maintenance of equipment. “The Navy is working well and regardless of financial resources if one wants it can do a lot”. The Minister positively appraised the level of training of Navy members: “To have a competent and educated people who apply its knowledge and skills in development of the system is of great importance for the Armed Forces”. Speaking on the participation of members of the Armed Forces in international peace support missions, he noted that they were good opportunity for developing and acquiring new knowledge and skills. He also said that strategic defence documents have been in process of modifying, and briefly commented on the recent reforms in MOD and Armed Forces which aim to reduce administrative staff and make the system more efficient.

Minister Kotromanović also visited the Navy Operational Command Centre, Centre for Training and ships “King Dmitar Zvonimir”, “Dubrovnik” and “Faust”. He was presented with the equipment of counter mine divers, and also visited the Žrnovnica Missile Base.

During the visit the Minister visited Navy premises in the Lora Base used by the University of Split, and met with the Rector of the University of Split, Prof. Ph.D. Ivan Pavić and director of the Centre for Naval Electronics Zlatan Gabrec. During the meeting they discussed current and future cooperation with the University of Split.