Meeting held between Minister Anušić and French Ambassador Fabien Fieschi
“We are satisfied with the dynamics of the implementation of the Rafale aircraft procurement project and we look forward to the historic event for the Croatian Armed Forces – the arrival of the first group of aircraft in Croatia in the spring of 2024,” the minister said.
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić had a meeting with Ambassador of the French Republic Fabien Fieschi at the Croatian Ministry of Defence.
The meeting participants discussed defence cooperation between Croatia and France, which has been steadily increasing since 2021 and is in line with the signed Strategic Partnership Agreement, which includes, among other things, the successful implementation of the Rafale multi-purpose combat aircraft procurement project.
In addition, the two countries have also established cooperation in the field of training and exercises on bilateral and multilateral levels, as well as cooperation in the functional areas of the Croatian and French ground forces, naval and air forces; cooperation between military educational institutions, and cooperation within the framework of NATO and the EU.
Minister Anušić expressed his satisfaction with the successful dynamics of the implementation of the Rafale aircraft procurement project.
“We are satisfied with the progress achieved by the Croatian Air Force pilots and technicians during their training in France, and we look forward to the historic event for the Croatian Armed Forces, the arrival of the first group of Rafale aircraft in Croatia in the spring of 2024,” the minister said. In this context, he invited French Minister Lecorn to pay an official visit to Croatia in spring next year.
Pointing out that one of his priorities is the modernisation of all services of the Croatian Armed Forces, focusing primarily on improving the status and substantive rights of CAF members, Minister Anušić said that his goal is to continue intensifying the strategic partnership between Croatia and France.
Accordingly, the meeting participants also discussed potential future cooperation in the field of pilot training and possible options for the procurement of the French medium-range air defence system.
Current security and political topics were also discussed at the meeting.
“By participating in NATO, EU and UN missions and operations, the Croatian Armed Forces continue to be an important participant in contribution to international security,” Minister Anušić said.
The meeting participants emphasised the importance of continuing the dialogue on NATO and EU policy and the situation in Southeast Europe. Minister Anušić said that the current situation in which we are witnessing the actions of regional actors requires greater involvement of the international community.
In the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine, both sides agreed that it is necessary to continue providing assistance to Ukraine in its fight for independence and territorial integrity.
The meeting was also attended by Chief of the CAF General Staff Admiral Robert Hranj, and the Defence Attaché of the French Republic Colonel Amar Ouali.
