General Repass and Defence Minister on SOF development

The discussion on the meeting was on the modalities of cooperation between the U.S. and Croatian Armed Forces, particularly in the ISAF operation in Afghanistan, the possibilities of joint training of special operations forces, and on the experience gained during the Jackal Stone exercise, where both sides agreed on excellent implementation of the exercise.

General Repass thanked Croatia and the Ministry of Defence for hosting Jackal Stone exercise on behalf of all 18 participating countries, and particularly emphasized the excellent cooperation and demonstrated interoperability between the armed forces of the countries participating in the exercise. He stressed the U.S. intention in supporting the Croatian Armed Forces, as an important strategic partner in the development and transformation of special operations forces.

Minister Kotromanović thanked the U.S. partners for the support on the development of Croatian defence capabilities, and in particular on the development of Croatian special operations forces, saying that the U.S. assistance and expertise in this area would be of great importance.

“Cooperation in the field of special operations is a reflection of true partnership and this area has a prominent place in our bilateral cooperation”, said the Minister, adding that he hoped that the cooperation in the upcoming period would continue to develop in the upward trend.

Both sides agreed that during the Jackal Stone exercise the role and importance of the planning, organizing and supporting part of special operations forces was particularly noted. The Minister also stressed that with the further development of conventional forces, the development of special operations forces was of strategic importance for Croatia, which would certainly represent a strong contribution to the NATO collective defence.