Chairman of U.S: Joint Chiefs of Staff visits Croatian Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces
Defence Minister, Ante Kotromanović and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Drago Lovrić on 22 September received in visit the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Army.
On behalf of the President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, Ivo Josipović, the Defence Minister conferred on General Dempsey the Order of Duke Trpimir, for the exceptional contribution the independence, integrity and the reputation of the Republic of Croatia, and the contribution to the development of its relations with other countries.
The Minister also extended the appreciation to General Dempsey for the continuous support provided by the United States of America to the Republic of Croatia and highlighted the fact that the U.S. have played the role of strategic partner in the critical moments of Croatia’s recent history dating from the independence declared in 1990 and the liberation of the occupied areas in 1995, extending to the accession to NATO in 2009 and in the European Union in 2013 respectively. ˝We boast excellent relations that are based on alliance and defence forces, and share the responsibility for building regional and global security”, stated Minister Kotromanović, who also welcomed General Dempsey’s visit as a recognition to Croatian officers, NCOs and enlisted soldiers for their years-long hard work and commitment.
In the return address General Dempsey appreciated Minister Kotromanović for awarding him the distinctive Croatian decoration , which he viewed as recognition to the numerous American soldiers who served in international missions worldwide side-by-side with the Croatians as well. “Croatia has grown into a strong and reliable partner and a solid platform for the rest of the region. I wish to see the partnership continued and enhanced“.
General Dempsey also extended his congratulations to Croatia on major progress achieved since the independence to this day. “You have become a NATO and the EU nation, which is a major achievement, and we as Americans share your pride in that regard“.
Accompanied by Minister Kotromanović and General Lovrić, General Dempsey also honoured the formal ceremony of handover of the donated 212 vehicles to the Croatian Armed Forces, which was held in the “Croatia” Barracks in Zagreb later on.
Minister Kotromanović said that the donated MRAP vehicles would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces, and were further contribution to the bilateral co-operation.
“Croatia will continue to act as a responsible Ally and to develop its capabilities“, said Minister Kotromanović.
The Chief of the General Staff, General Drago Lovrić extended the appreciation to General Dempsey and the United States for the valuable donation and other forms of support provided by the U.S. to the Croatian Armed Forces.
“The MRAP vehicles will provide the ballistic and counter-mine protection, thererby increasing the level of their operational security while on the mission. I call on the members of the Croatian Armed Forces to channel the support into concrete capabilities, to be demonstrated in peace support missions and in the assistance to the residents of Croatia in need alike“, stated General Lovrić.
General Dempsey emphasised the co-operation and partnership between the U.S. and Croatia. “ The mutual building of trust and capabilities is essential“. The vehicles will provide enhanced protection for the Croatian soldiers deployed to peace missions and operations. By protecting them we also protect our respective countries and the Alliance by extension“, concluded General Dempsey.
The United States Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, Kenneth Merten said that the donation was enbled by exemplary co-operation between the Republic of Croatia and the United States, and underlined the importance of the alliance between the two countries.
The United States government decided on donating 212 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAP), comprising 162 combat vehicles M-ATV, 20 MRAP HAGA (heavily armed ground ambulance) vehicles and 30 MaxxPro MRAP vehicles to the Republic of Croatia.
The donated MRAP vehicles will be distributed to the Croatian Army, Support Command and the Special Operations Battalion units, to replace the formerly used TAM vehicles.
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