Anušić: The budget of the Ministry of Defence has increased by 142.5% since 2016; next year we will reach 2% of the GDP allocated for defence | Foto: MORH/ J. Kopi
Anušić: The budget of the Ministry of Defence has increased by 142.5% since 2016; next year we will reach 2% of the GDP allocated for defence
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić thanked the representatives of the Military Diplomatic Corps for their cooperation and everything they do as part of their mandates in the Republic of Croatia
Today, on 13 December 2024, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia held a traditional annual reception for members of the Military Diplomatic Corps accredited in the Republic of Croatia on the eve of Christmas and New Year holidays.
The annual reception was attended by Vice President of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, Colonel General Tihomir Kundid, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed forces and the Military Diplomatic Corps.
Minister Anušić thanked the representatives of the Military Diplomatic Corps and their countries for their cooperation and everything they do as part of their mandates in the Republic of Croatia.
On this occasion, Minister Anušić said: “During the mandate of this Government of the Republic of Croatia from 2016 to date, the budget of the Ministry of Defence has increased by 142.5%. We continue to invest in defence and I am glad to announce that next year we will achieve the NATO directive of 2% of the GDP allocation for defence. We exceeded 20% of the budget of the Ministry of Defence for equipping and modernizing the Armed Forces.”
He emphasized that Croatia remains a credible, interoperable and reliable ally in turbulent and challenging times, not only for our security but also for mutual alliance.
“Our joint participation in the operations, missions and activities of NATO, the EU and the UN will continue to be an important pillar of our contribution to international security,” the Minister said, adding that a high-quality military-diplomatic cooperation is definitely necessary for building international peace and security cooperation.
The defence attaché of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Colonel Andrew Higgs, doyen of the Military Diplomatic Corps, thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Anušić for invitation to the traditional gathering of defence attachés.
He pointed out that the Republic of Croatia is a proven ally and partner within NATO and the European Union.
Let us remind you that the Military Diplomatic Corps consists of all defence attachés accredited to the Republic of Croatia. Defence attachés are members of their country’s diplomatic missions in the receiving country or in international organizations and represent their country’s armed forces and defence policy in the receiving country.
