Minister Krstičević meets with Hungarian Minister

“We have attained a high level of bilateral defence cooperation exchanging the experiences related to in fulfilling NATO criteria of capabilities, joint training, participation in international military exercises, special forces co-operation and within regional initiatives,” said Minister Krstičević, who congratulated the Hungarian Minister on 170th anniversary of the establishment of the Hungarian  Defence Forces.

Minister Simicskó said Croatia and Hungary were friendly countries and underlined the importance of their joint operation in new security situation.

The two ministers reviewed Croatia’s and Hungary’s participation in the PESCO and the opportunities for the co-operation of their defence industries. “ At the EU Council meeting we adopted the important Decision on implementation of PESCO projects, which also offers opportunities for defence industries of the two countries“, said the Croatian Minister. The ministers underlined the importance of increased defence budgets, modernisation of the armed forces and new capabilities.

“The security paradigm has changed considerably, and necessitates systematic responses to the challenges,“, said the Croatian Minister, who briefed his counterpart on the establishemnt of homeland security system and the  joint engagement and effort of the Croatian Armed Forces with other compoments of the system in recent snowfall relief.

The ministers also addressed the current security challenges, cyber threats and hybrid warfare and the security situation in southeast Europe, calling for major attention of NATO and the EU.   “We agree on the essential role of NATO – EU cooperation  and remain focussed on actual threats and a common contribution to security,” said Minister Krstičević.

The ministers agreed that Croatia and Hungary had an important stabilising role in southeast Europe, primarly within the regional initiatives. Numerous security challenges calling for joint solutions and timely exchange of information encourage further development of bilateral relations.

During the official visit Minister Krstičević visited the Croatian elementary school and secondary school and  met with the pupils and teachers.  Minister Krstičević stressed:  “The current Croatian Government attaches importance to Croats living abroad and I wish to extend appreciation to you for cherishing and nurturing your origin, teaching the Croatian language and presenting the rich Croatian culture“.

The Croatian  schools in Budapest are attended by 201 students (age range from 1 form elementary to 4 form secondary school) and guard the Croatian national identity, language and culture.
Minister Krstičević also visited the sporrts hall named after the famous Croatian basketballer Dražen Petrović.

The Croatian delegation laid wreath at the monnument to the Croatian General Karl Knezić and at the Tomb of the Unknown Hero.

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