Minister Kotromanović meets Chinese Defence Minister

 

During the official meeting in Beijing ministers of the two countries discussed bilateral defence cooperation, security situation in the Southeast Europe and Central Asia, defence reforms and development of Chinese and Croatian defence capabilities. On the meeting a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed which would provide a firmer framework for bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.

It was pointed out that the Croatian accession to the EU next year would contribute and have positive development on bilateral relations, where Minister Kotromanović said that Croatia by its membership in the EU would open up new opportunities for development and cooperation, and given the importance of relations between China and the EU, Croatia would further work on the qualitative and quantitative strengthening of bilateral cooperation with China. The Minister also pointed out that Croatia saw China as a land of ancient traditions that today, due to the successful transformation and the growing economic power, has an important role on the world political scene and is an important factor in the preservation of world peace.

The Ministers also agreed that the Croatian-Chinese relations were on the rise, especially in the areas of economy and culture, and in the area of ​​defence.

It was pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries would intensify in the areas of education of military officers of both sides as well as through the exchange of students at various military and defence schools of MOD employees. Chinese Minister emphasized the fact that the People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China was constantly investing in the rational development of its military, especially in the scientific development and the development of its military experts, and Minister Kotromanović said that the Croatian Ministry of Defence was still interested for education at the Chinese National Defence University, having emphasized that within the framework of existing cooperation five Croatian officers have completed their education in China.

It was also agreed to continue with the friendly visits on the highest levels, and Minister Kotromanović invited the Chinese navy ships to visit Adriatic and Croatian Navy.

Afghanistan was also discussed at the meeting, where Minister Kotromanović informed Chinese counterparts on Croatian plans regarding the ISAF mission in Afghanistan during the transition period as well as after 2014, and on the fight against piracy where Croatia has been participating – mission EU NAVFOR – ATALANTA in the waters of Somalia. Minister Kotromanović welcomed China’s role in international relations, and China’s constructive contribution to international stability and security, stressing that Croatia and China have a common interest in establishing security and stability in Afghanistan and the fight against piracy.

It was also agreed that the terrorism in any form and anywhere is an intolerable terror against civilians.

As part of his visit to China, Minister Kotromanović will also meet the Co-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China, General Xu Caihou, and will visit the Special Operations Brigade of the Beijing Military District.

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