Minister Bozinovic met Finnish Ambassador
Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic received today, April 5, in inaugural visit the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Croatia Juha Ottman. During the meeting they discussed bilateral cooperation so far between the two countries, with emphasis on cooperation in procurement project of armoured combat vehicles for the Croatian Armed Forces and signed agreements with the Finnish Patria Company.
Minister Bozinovic on that occasion recalled the recently signed memorandum between “Djuro Djakovic – Special vehicles” and “Patria” during the “ASDA” exhibition / conference of defence industry in Split, which allowed joint appearance of these companies on third markets. The Minister stressed that joint appearance on third markets guaranteed the profitability of such investments.
They also discussed the experiences of the two countries from participating in international peacekeeping missions and operations, with emphasis on future involvement in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan and about the started transition process. Ambassador Ottman commented on the joint efforts within the EU battle groups, where currently in the Nordic battle group were deployed members of the Finnish and Croatian armed forces. It was emphasized that these engagement was the contribution of the two countries given to the Common security and defence policy, and for the Republic of Croatia this was of particular importance in light of the expectation that Croatia would soon become a full EU member.
Minister Bozinovic stressed that Croatia in this context with special interests would continue with a concrete contribution to the Common European security and development and ensuring the necessary capabilities and forces. Ambassador Ottman said that Finland supports the soon completion of negotiations for Croatia’s EU accession, pointing out that the Croatia’s example of accession to Euro-Atlantic integrations was a good example and motivation for other countries in the region.