Minister Krstičević meets with Austrian Defence Minister in Vienna
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević on 30 October 2018 met with the Defence Minister of the Republic of Austria, Mario Kunasek
The Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević on 30 October 2018 met with the Defence Minister of the Republic of Austria, Mario Kunasek in the return visit following the visit of the Austrian Minister to Croatia in May 2018.
Minister Krstičević and Minister Kunasek discussed the topics of mutual interest for Croatia and Austria in the domains of defence and security, with the emphasis on deepening the bilateral defence co-operation.
The defence co-operation between Croatia and Austria is exercised within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union, and in training and co-operation of military education institutions and the training of special units.
Minister Krstičević praised the third meeting with his Austrian counterpart in the current year, as it is of huge importance for the security of southeast Europe and extended congratulations on National Day of Austria (26 October).
“We share a long common history, present and the future within the European Union, and are important stakeholeders of the security of the region. Co-operation, partnership and friendship are of foremost importance for Croatia and Austria,” said Minister Krsticevic.
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The ministers also discussed the prospective presidency of the European Union. Minister Krstičević stressed: “I wish to congratulate Austria on the work done so far during the Presidency of the European Union. I am glad that a Croatian officer has been assigned to the Austrian Ministry of Defence to gather valuable experience for the Croatian presidency in 2020.
Presenting the activities exercised during the presidency of the European Union, the Austrian Minister said their motto was „“A Europe that protects“, dedicated to the protection of the citizens of the European Union.
Minister Krstičević also stressed that Croatia and Austria wanted to expand defence co-operation, and announced the signing of an memorandum of cooperation entailing the co-operation of research institutions, co-operatio of special forces and exchange of experience pertaining to the assistance to civilian institutions.
Austrian Minister Kunasek praised the bilateral co-operation and stated that Croatia was an important and reliable partner, investing major efforts in defence co-operation. “In 2019 Croatia and Austria willconduct some 40 joint activities, expanding the valid Agreement on Defence Co-operation of 1998.
The ministers agreed to deepen the bilateral co-operation related to PESCO projects (Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia launched a joint PESCO project previewing the use of unmanned aerial and terrestrial vehicles to autonomously detect and survey risks caused by nuclear, biological and chemical hazardous substances.
PESCO projects offer considerable potential for co-operation between the ministries, research institutions and defence industries, agreed the ministers.
The two ministers also addressed the stability of southeast Europe, as one of common priorities, as well as the regional and global challenges and border security.