Minister attends U.S. Adriatic Charter defence ministers meeting

The participants included the Defence Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina  Marina Pendeš, the Defence Minister of Montenegro Predrag Bošković, the Defence Minister of Macedonia Zoran Jolevski, the Deputy Defence Minister of Albania Petro Koci, the U.S  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Euroasia Michael Carpenter, and the representatives of the observer countries – the Minister of Kosovo Security Force Haki Demmolli, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia Nenad Nerić and Director General of the Defence Policy Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia Alen Mišmaš.

The meeting comprised two sessions, addressing the achievements during the Croatian chairmanship pf the U.S. Adriatic Charter and the future co-operation within the initiative, in view of the decisions from NATO Summit in Warsaw and the evolving security environment.

During the first session the Croatian Minister underlined the achievements witin te Initiative and the necessary adaptation of the national, regional and international security structures in view of the radically changed security environment. Minister Krstičević also addressed the activities launched during the Croatian chairmanship of the Charter. 

To address effectively the current security situation, the Charter members set the co-operation priorities related to defence and security, namely the membership in NATO as the main security guarantee in southeast Europe, the joint capability building and contribution to wider security, the force interoperability and joint approach to creating the response to new security threats.
During the second session, which was focussed on the future development of the U.S.- Adriatic Charter Minister Krstičević stressed the need for promoting the “open door“ policy to remain on NATO agenda and encourage the future aspirant countries to strive fpr the membership. He also appealed for joint projects optimising the use of the avalable resources to achieve the target capabilities and partnership goals. The participants stressed the need for continued joint engagement in NATO-led missions and operations and new options of joint contribution to the international stability and security.
The second session was concluded with the signing of the joint declaration of the U-S.-Adriatic Charter defence ministers stating strong support to continued co-operation in all segments discussed during the meeting. The ministers also supported the prospects of expanded and intensified co-peration regarding the implementation of the conclusions from Warsaw Summit.

The Croatian Defence Minister pleaded for co-operation as critical instrument for the security of the region: “The threats of the moment are highly complex, and it takes quality co-operation to preserve security in the region. The U.S.- Adriatic Charter is of critical importance, as it assists its members towards NATO membership, and the Republic of Croatia has relevant experience that we wish to share in the interest of co-operation, peace and security in the region“.
We therefore continue to support Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina on their path to the Euro-Atlantic integration“, said Minister Krstičević.

The Defence Minister of Macedonia Zoran Jolevski appreciated Croatia for hosting the meeting, which he praised as an excellent opportunity for talks and the exchange of views, and for undertaking several initiatives which proved it to be a most respectable partner. 

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Euroasia  Michael Carpenter highlighted the many initiatives launched by the Republic of Croatia aiming at enhanced security in the region and the security of NATO in general.
“NATO idea of protecting global peace and security through Euro-Atlantic integration should be pursued, It is promoted by the U.S. Adriatic Charter and the Republic of Croatia currently chairing it, with the continuous support from the U.S. .Our hope is that Macedonia will become NATO member and we need to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in its integration efforts“, said Michael Carpenter.

The U.S.-Adriatic Charter as an initiative established in 2003 constitutes a strategic partnership among the member countries, recognising mutual aspirations suc as enhanced bilateral and multilateral relatons between the Charter members and other countries of southeast Europe, aimed at achieving security and integration into Euro-Atlantic political, security and defence institutions. The ministers meeting was an opportunity for a series of bilateral meetings held on its margins.

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