Minister Krstičević attends conference on security in Adriatic Sea
The Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević attended the Conference “Security, possible threats and surveillance and rescue in the Adriatic Sea” held in the Faculty of Maritime Studies.
Minister Krstičević expressed Croatia’s readiness to assist Greece in fighting the fire: “The Croatian Armed Forces are ready to assist. We have received a request and have estimated that we have the forces ready to provide it. I have informed the Prime Miister and a decision on the readiness to dispatch two Canadairs was adopted at the Government level , and also the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, who undertoiok the necessary preparations to provide assistance to Greece”, said the Minister.
The Minister also stated that the Croatian Army was ready for the firefighter season in Croatia and reminded of the new Firefighter Operations Command at Divulje established for this purpose that provided real-time situational awareness from the field.
Speaking on the Conference subject Minister Krstičević welcomed the meeting of all components of the Homeland Security System to discuss the security at sea.
“It is necessary to integrate all capabilities to be able to cope with any risks and threats on the land, at sea and in the air”, said Minister Krstičević. “Today’s discussion is focussed on building and strenghtening the system” .
The Minister announced the marking of the 23rd anniversary of the military and police Operation “Storm” in Knin on 5 August 2018.
We wish a dignified marking of the 23rd anniversary of the Operation “Storm” and in the spirit of togetherness. The “Operation “Storm” is a symbol of heroism and victory in the Homeland War, and so is the Knin Fortress. “Storm” will be marked throughout Croatia”, said the Minister.
Minister Krstičević presented the National Security Strategy and the Homeland Security System and the modality of protection of the Adriatic Sea from various threats and also announced drafting the new legislation aimed at promoting the defence system.
The Minister underlined the Long-term Developmemt Plan as key document to define all capabilities of the Croatian Navy to be developed for a more efficient protection against the threats at sea. “The Croatian Navy will be the main authority for peacetime maritime security tasks”, said the Minister
“The Croatian Navy has to develop the capability for protection of the sea and the maritime border, calling for fast building of new inshore and offshore patrol boats and the radar systems upgrade”.
The Minister presented the project of establishment of a company-sized marine unit that will significantly enhance the Croatian Navy’s defence capabilities. “The Marine Company will be tasked with quick manoeuvre actions within full spectrum of Croatian Navy operations conducted independently or jointly with other components of the Croatian Armed Forces and of the Homeland Security System”.
“Co-operation is essential for successful protection and defence of the Adriatic Sea” said the Minister, who called on to the stakeholders of the Homeland Security System to enhance co-operation and underlined the importance of acting jointly with the partners in NATO and the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative. “The development of capabilities has to be integrative and adaptive. We have to pool and share resources as together we are stronger and readier”, stressed the Minister.
The Minister announced the launching of the Naval Studies in the academic year 2018/2’19.
The Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović, the Director of the National Protection and Rescue Directorate Dragan Lozančić and the Mayor of Split Andro Krstulović Opara addressed the audience on the Homeland Security System and its role in the protection of the Adriatic Sea, and the Commander of the Croatian Navy Commodore Ivo Raffanelli took part in nthe panel discussion on security of the Adriatic Sea.