Minister Krstičević meets with Israeli Defence Minister

Minister Krstičević expressed condolences to Minister Liebermanu and the Israeli delegation for the terrorist attack occuring in Israel: “We need to be united in the fight against terrorism..adapt to new challenges, co-work and exchange the information to respond  instantly and  readily  to the security threats“.
The two sides affirmed the friendly relations between the Republic of Croatia and the State of Israel and expressed the ambition to enhance the co-operation of the two ministries of defence and the overall bilateral relations.
Expressing satisfaction over welcoming the Israeli Defence Minister, the Croatian Minister Krstičević stated: I am most glad for excellent co-operation and strategic partnership  of the two friendly countries – Croatia and Israel , where Croatia has an opportunity to learn from the best in the domain of defence and security. We wish to share our expertise and capabilities with our partners and friends too, especially in aerial firefighting, where our forces are among the best“. 
The Republic of Croatia and the State of Israek established the co-operation in 2016, with the Croatian firefighter forces dispatched to assist extinguishing large fires in Israel, and continued in the current year with the international firefighter exercise to be conducted in Israel in October.
Minister Lieberman extended gratitude for the firefighting assistance provided by the Republic of Croatia and praised the friendly relations between the two countries and the desire to intensify and expand it.

During the discussion on the intensified co-operation of the respective defence industries, Minister Krstičević expressed satisfaction over the Croatian and Israeli firms taking part at a business meeting in the Croatian Chamber of Economy on 27 September, to be attended by the two defence ministers as well: “The meeting is an excellent opportunity for the future economic co-operation, and I hope will see the launching of joint business arrangements“, said Minister Krstičević .
The Croatian and Israeli ministers also discussed the co-operation in cyber security and agreed to refer two Croatian officers to courses on cyber security in Israel. 
The two ministers discussed the procurement of multi-purpose fighter aircraft, Israel being a recipient of the Croatian Request for Proposal.  The aircraft for the Croatian Air Force is one of the most important future projects for the Republic of Croatia, and the criteria for the procurement will be the bilateral agreement, the price and the business and economic co-operation package in addition to the specifics and capabilities of the aircraft. “The procurement procedure will be conducted in a transparent manner and each segment will be scrutinised to ensure the best option for the Republic of Croatia. Along with the strategjc partnership, Croatia will value the business and economy co-operation with the new partner, expected to upgrade the technology level, expand the business of the Croatian firms and create new jobs“.
During his official visit to the Republic of Croatia Minister  Lieberman met with President  Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

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