Minister Krstičević attends annual reception with Military Diplomatic Corps

The traditional annual reception for the members of the Military Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Republic of Croatia held ahead of the holiday season took place in the Ministry of Defence on 17 December 2018.

The reception was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov, by the Doyen of the Military Diplomatic Corps – the Defence Attache of the United Kingdom Lieutenant Colonel John Kelly  and by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, of the Croatian Armed Forces and of the Military Diplomatic Corps.
 
Minister Krstičević recapitulated the past year as highly productive and  important for  the development of the Croatian Armed Forces, and underlined the introduction of Kiowa Warrior helicopters into operational service and the procurement of the powerful U.S.-made  Blackhawk helicopters.

“This investment  of the United States into the capabilities ofi te  ability of the Croatian Army is another proof of the strategic partnership and of excellent co-operation in the domain of security and defence. The historic  decision by the Croatian Government on the procurement of the F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft,  in a transparent procedure, will ensure the protection for the Croatian air space in the futureQ. The Minister also highlighted the procurement of new weapon stations for the Patria vehicles,  enhancing the capabilities of the Croatian Army’s military capabilities, and the introduction of the new inshore patrol vessel promoting the capabilities of the Croatian Navy respectively.

“The Croatian Air Force has taken over the first overhauled Mi-171Sh helicopter, and this week is of  historic importance for the Croatian Army and the town of Varaždin where it returns to after ten years, under the new operational distribution. The development of alliances and enhancing of partnerships with other countries is as important as the building of operational capabilities”, said the Minister. 
 

Addressing the importance attached to the international co-operation the Minister highlighted his own participation in as many as 33 international activities, including 23 bilateral meetings, held in Croatia and abroad. 

“Military diplomatic co-operation holds a prominent place, and we are praising the contribution of the defence attaches to the growth and enhancing of all co-operation formats of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia with the ministries of your respective countries.
 
General Šundov emphasised that the emerging changes worldwide necessitate more intensive co-operation in all domains, defence and security included. 

“We are increasingly aware of the need for pooling and sharing of resources as a principle to follow in the future. The Croatian Armed Forces are attentively considering their contribution to each initiative, project, mission or operation that can bring peace, security and prosperity of the humanity, assuming the responsibility for the future. We are still faced with a number of challenges and some hard decisions but have to bear in mind that the hardships are easier to overcome if you have a support and understanding to rely on Hence the importance of co-operation  and mutual respect”, said General Šundov.

The Assistant Minister for Defence Policy Petar Mihatov stressed that the activities of the Ministry of Defence and of the Croatian Armed Forces were focussed on enhancing the international co-operation and the conduct of  various international activities.
 
“We have witnessed to evolving security paradigm and are aware that the co.operation and respect are the sole efficient modality for successful coping”, said Assistan Minister Mihatov.

Co-operation is the key for the response to the emerging security challenges lies in co-operation, said the Doyen of the Military Diplomatic Corps Lieutenant Colonel John Kelly, expressing an honour and pleasure to be posted in Croatia. 

“Croatia is a great place to work in. After 30 years of service I must say I prefer the office in Croatia the most.
We are glad to have had the opportunity to take part in a number of activitiers of the Croatian Armed Forces and of the Ministry of Defence and wish to express our appreciation for your generosity and cordiality”, said Lt. Col. Kelly.

The annual reception featured a performance by the Jazz Band of the Croatian Armed Forces.

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