Minister Anušić to members of the HRVCON in Kosovo: Thank you for protecting Croatia by ensuring peace in Kosovo

The Vice-President of the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and the Chief of the CAF General Staff LTG Tihomir Kundid, together with their colleagues, visited today, on 16 December 2024, the members of the 42nd Croatian contingent in NATO KFOR (Kosovo Force) operation in Kosovo. They came to visit members of the Croatian contingent just before Christmas holidays, and this contingent is the largest in terms of the number of members (153) in a NATO operation/mission/activity. This testifies to importance of the KFOR operation for Croatia, considering that maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo preserves peace in the immediate Croatian environment.

Anušić to members of the HRVCON: It is not easy to keep peace in Kosovo

Minister Anušić greeted the members of the 42nd HRVCON and expressed gratitude to them for professional execution of their tasks and for representing the Republic of Croatia in the best light abroad.

“It is not easy to keep the peace in Kosovo. We all know the history and the present time of Kosovo. This is one of the more critical points when we talk about NATO missions and operations. The whole of Croatia is with you – the members of the Croatian contingent in Kosovo – especially now during Christmas holidays, when it is not easy to be separated from your family. Thank you for protecting Croatia far from your homes by ensuring peace in Kosovo,” he told Croatian soldiers in KFOR operation.

The Minister added that the role of Croatian soldiers is immeasurable because they are the ones who form the Croatian Armed Forces.

“Without you, who are the backbone of the Croatian Army, all the equipment and weapons we acquire are of little value to us: tanks, HIMARS, and fighter airplanes… That is why the Ministry of Defence together with the Government of the Republic of Croatia and in cooperation with the Chief of the General Staff will continue work to provide you with the best possible working conditions and standard of living,” he said.

In closing, the Minister, wishing a blessed Christmas and a happy and successful new year, thanked all members for their professionalism. He pointed out that Croatian soldiers have always been respected and stand out as exemplary and professional, for which he regularly receives compliments whenever he is abroad.

General Kundid: As a contingent, you make a direct contribution to peace, security and stability in this area

General Kundid emphasized the importance of this operation, in which the CAF have been participating for many years. “It is important that we participate in this mission, and you as a contingent, which is an integral part of KFOR, make a direct contribution to peace, security and stability in this area. It is extremely important that you show that you are an important factor in this mission with your engagement and professional approach in the implementation of tasks. Our contingent of 153 members that participates in this mission is truly respectable,” the General said. Referring to the upcoming holidays, during which the members of the contingent will be away from their families, the General thanked them for everything they do, for their engagement and efforts, and wished them much happiness and success. “Thank you for that, thank you for your engagement and I wish you and your families all the best for the upcoming holidays,” Chief of the CAF General Staff said.

Minister Anušić with Commander of KFOR and Commander of the Regional Command West

Minister Anušić and Chief of the CAF General Staff LTG General Kundid also met with Commander of the KFOR Italian MG Enrico Barduani and Commander of the Regional Command West (RC West) Italian Colonel Rocco Mundo. Minister Anušić emphasized that the KFOR operation is particularly important for the Republic of Croatia because it is located in the immediate neighbourhood and can have special implications for stability of the entire region. The ambition of the Republic of Croatia is to continue engagement through its presence in the Republic of Kosovo as long as it is necessary.

In this sense, the Decision of the Croatian Parliament, which approved the participation of up to 200 CAF members in the KFOR operation in Kosovo in 2025 and 2026 was highlighted.

So far, a total of 2,200 members of the Armed Forces, including 122 women, have been sent to the KFOR operation, including the currently deployed 42nd HRVCON. The 42nd HRVCON alone has 153 members, among whom are nine women. The majority of the forces is formed of the members of the Motorized Infantry Company of the Puma Armoured Mechanized Battalion.

A total of 24 NATO members and five non-NATO countries currently participate in the KFOR. There are 4,524 people in all, including civilians.