Minister Kotromanović met Defense Secretary Panetta

The talks on the meeting were on the U.S. – Croatian strategic alliance in the field of security and defence, on the Croatian defence capabilities development, the role of Croatia and the United States in this part of Europe and on the ISAF mission, namely post-2014 Afghanistan.

Bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries has been exceptional, manifesting primarily through cooperation in NATO, where we jointly address the global security challenges, from the promotion of stability in the Southeast Europe to providing security in Afghanistan. Both countries confirmed at the meeting their interest of maintaining and expanding this cooperation. Today’s high-level meeting represents another confirmation of strong partnerships and alliances between Croatia and the United States, based on credible, reliable and open relationship of the two democratic countries that share common values. For the Republic of Croatia, the United States is the main partner in the field of security and defence, which was also reiterated on the meeting.

The discussion on the meeting was also on a mutual commitment to the successful implementation of the transition in Afghanistan, as well as possible further involvement after 2014. Both countries have expressed their satisfaction with respect to an allies’ agreement regarding the engagement of NATO after 2014, which will be reflected in the training, mentoring and financing of the Afghan Security Forces, for the Afghan Government to gradually assume its responsibilities in the building of the Afghan society. Regarding Southeast Europe, it was confirmed that it was in a strategic interest of the United States and the Republic of Croatia sustainable stability and security of the region. Croatian delegation stressed the importance of the further U.S. engagement in this part of Europe. It was also pointed out that Croatia strongly supports the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the countries of the region, and remains committed to providing support and assistance in their path to Euro-Atlantic integration.

Minister Panetta praised the efforts of the Ministry of Defence in achieving progress in the modernization of the Croatian Armed Forces in the midst of the financial crisis, as well as the Croatian leadership in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration of the Southeast Europe, and stressed that Croatia was now a mentor and a leader in the promotion of regional initiatives.

As part of his visit to Washington, Defence Minister Kotromanović with a delegation laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington Military Memorial Cemetery.