Minister Krstičević meets with Defence Minister of Albania

Minister  Krstičević and Minister Xhaçka discussed the current security threats in southeast Europe and affirmed the traditionally good bilateral relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Albania, based on the years-long friendship and partnership.

Discussing the co-operation of the two navies Minister Krstičević briefed Minister Xhaçka on the Naval Studies administered in Split, a joint project of the Croatian Defence Academy  “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” and the University of Split. 

“I am pleased that we have today signed the  Memorandum of Understanding in Defence Co-operation, as an incentive and basis for further  development of our co-operation” said the Minister. The Minister reminded that Croatia and Albania were marking the 10th anniversary of NATO membership, which has contributed to the stability and security of the two countries and of the overall region .“I want to thank Albania for confrming its participation in the international military exercise “Immediate Response 19″ , organised by the Republic of Croatia to mark the anniversary of NATO membership”, said the Minister. 

Minister Krstičević pledged continued support of the Republic of Croatia to rhe Republic of Albania towards  the EU membership and sharing of its experiences from the pre-accession negotiations. 

Having praised the bilateral co-operation to date Minister Krstičević underlined the high potential for enhanced co-operation of the defence industries of the two countries. The Minister emphasised that Croatia developed a respectable defence industry and that the Croatian soldiers were equipped wth Croatia-made weapons and gear which has been tested in missions and operations.

Minister Xhaçka affirmed the excellent bilateral  relations and emphasised that Croatia’s and Albania’s membership in NATO was a guarantor of their safety. The Minister extended appreciation to the  Republic of Croatia for the support provided to Albania with its integration into the EU and stated the wish for intensified co-operation oif the two defence countries. 

“The Agreement we signed after 16 years is a cornerstone for our future co-operation that opens the door for new possibilities”, said Minister Xhaçka, who also stressed that the co-operation of Croatia and Albania was best visible within the U.S. Adriatic Charter and the joint engagement in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

Following the meeting  the two ministers toured the static display of weapons and equipment in the compound of the Ministry of Defence. 

During the official visit to the Pepublic of Croatia Minister  Xhaçka is also meeting with the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković and with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić.