Minister Bozinovic met U.S. Senator Begich
Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic met, on Friday, 8 July 2011, at the sidelines of the Croatia Summit 2011 in Dubrovnik, the U.S. Senator Mark Begich of Croatian origin from the U.S. Alaska Federal State.
During the meeting, successful bilateral cooperation between the two countries was highlighted, and talks were also on a long-standing cooperation between armed forces of the two countries. Minister Bozinovic thanked Senator Begich for support given to Croatia on its path to Euro-Atlantic integrations, his commitment to strengthen bilateral relations between Croatia and the United States, as well as for help of the Government of the United States through various donations to the Croatian Armed Forces. Bozinovic also highlighted very successful cooperation with the Minnesota National Guard, whose members together with members of the Croatian Armed Forces have been participating in ISAF mission in Afghanistan adding that these days we commemorate 15 years of this cooperation.
Senator Begich during the meeting stressed that the U.S. give great importance to relations with Croatia, which is seen as a natural ally and a regional leader, and that bilateral relations have been very fruitful and diverse. He also said that Croatia, although a young member of the Euro-Atlantic integration, can serve as a good example in the region, as the country which in a relatively short time has achieved significant results.
Senator Mark Begich is the first senator of Croatian origin in the U.S. Senate. His three-year term in the Senate is primarily focused on strengthening the economic policies of Alaska. Among other things, he is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. This is his first visit to Croatia.