Croatian-U.S. defence consultations

welcomed the U.S. delegation, led by Joseph McMillan, Principal Assistant of Deputy Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, in which among others were the U.S. ambassador to Croatia, HE James B. Foley and the Minnesota National Guard Commander Brigadier General Lary Shellito and associates. In the Croatian delegation were also MOD State Secretary Pjer Simunovic, Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Slavko Baric and his associates. Minister Vukelic said that these bilateral defense consultations would contribute to the strengthening, expanding and deepening of cooperation between the two friendly countries, on mutual benefit. Minister Vukelic also recalled that the close political and defence cooperation was being built in joint efforts to build peace, security and stability in south-eastern Europe. “On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to Minnesota National Guard, since the cooperation with it, with a full U.S. support, was of great importance, especially in implementing defence reforms”, Vukelic said. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive U.S. aid, especially those related to participation in NATO-led operations, both through educational programs, strategic transport, equipment, joint exercises, joint training, participation in humanitarian projects and donations. Republic of Croatia very appreciated American donation of armoured vehicles with ballistic protection and high mobility, and offer for the whole range of other military assets for successful implementation of tasks especially in the ISAF operation. Minister particularly emphasized joint Croatian-American OMLT who achieved significant results.
Republic of Croatia, who has been member of NATO for the first year, thanks the United States for the invaluable political support in the realization of one of the Croatian strategic goals, Vukelic said, stressing that Croatia have been providing full support to the neighbouring countries on their Euro-Atlantic path.
The Republic of Croatia has been participating in ISAF since 2003. This year we will increase our contingent for 7% and we will send helicopter, artillery and logistics instructors and two police OMLTs to the operation. By this, as said by Defence Minister Vukelic, forty percent of the Croatian contingent would be involved in training of Afghan security forces. These bilateral defence consultations, following the previous experiences will lead to further expansion of cooperation, particularly regarding the participation in operations.
When addressing the present, the U.S. ambassador to Croatia, James B. Foley said that the United States recognize the strategic importance of Croatia, particularly for stability in the region, stressing that this consultation would give a new quality to our developed bilateral cooperation.
The development of relations in the defence area was based on the excellent political relations, as said by Joseph McMillan, Principal Assistant of Deputy Secretary of Defense of the United States, emphasizing the importance of cooperation of Croatia with the Minnesota National Guard. Relationships with the Republic of Croatian are deep, and since 2003 and since involvement of Croatian troops in ISAF, U.S. commanders were impressed by the professionalism of Croatian soldiers. Croatia is making major contributions to peace and stability not only in south-eastern Europe, but also beyond that.

As part of bilateral cooperation, the U.S. military attaché to Croatia Colonel Brendon McAloon presented a medal “Legion of Merit” to the former Croatian military attaché to the U.S. Colonel Damir Terzic for exceptional merits for the development of American-Croatian relations.