Anušić: Kosovo is the key to security in Southeast Europe
The American presence through NATO KFOR operation is highly important for the stability and peace of Kosovo
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, LTG Tihomir Kundid, are participating from 14 to 16 February 2025, at the 61st Munich Security Conference in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Meeting of Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for EU and NATO policy
On Saturday, 15 February 2025, on the margins of the Munich Security Conference, Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić met with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for European and NATO Policies David Baker. Minister Anušić emphasized that the key to security in Southeast Europe is Kosovo and said that American presence through NATO KFOR operation is exceptionally important for the stability and peace of Kosovo. He added that Croatia is strongly committed to equipping and modernizing the Croatian Army and, together with its ally the United States, is equipping the Croatian Armed Forces with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Black Hawks and the HIMARS missile system.
The importance of further bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries was emphasized during the meeting. Regarding Ukraine, Minister Anušić emphasized that Croatia has so far provided Ukraine with more than 208 million euros in military assistance and that it will continue to assist it.
The Minister of Defence met with the Prime Minister of Kosovo Kurti
Minister Anušić also met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti and Minister of Defence Ejup Maqedonci. They discussed the security situation in Kosovo and in Southeast Europe.
Croatia strongly supports the path of the Republic of Kosovo towards NATO and the EU, and with the engagement of the Croatian Army Contingent in NATO KFOR operation, we are actively contributing to peace and stability of Kosovo. In the context of the announcement of the new American policy towards Europe, support for peace in Kosovo is more important than ever, Minister Anušić said. He also emphasized the importance of greater involvement of Kosovo institutions in the protection of Croats in Kosovo, their rights, survival and national identity.
Minister Anušić also held other bilateral meetings and met with Ukrainian war veterans and soldiers, representatives of the Message from the Frontline initiative, who became a symbol of courage in the Ukrainian fight for freedom.