Minister Krstičević meets with Italian Defence Minister

The Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević on 4 March 2020 met with the Defence Ministry of the Italian Republic Lorenzo Guerini, who is an official visit to Croatia.

The meeting agenda featured defence co-operation, the current issues related to the EU and NATO, the regional security situation, and the ministers agreed that Croatia and Italy were continuing the active support to the countries in southeast Europe with their Euro-Atlantic integration.

Defence Co-operation Agreement between Croatia and Italy

Ministers Krstičević and Guerini signed the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Croatia and Italy, setting a solid framework for na further development

Minister Krstičević emphasised: “I wish to express satisfaction over signing the Defence Co-operation Agreement between Croatia and Italy after 20 years. The two countries have run an excellent defence co-operation, and this Agreement is an additional proof to that”.

Ministar Krstičević underlined the co-operation of the two navies and air forces: “We are two neighbouring countries boasting a long maritime tradition, and our navies also have an excellent co-operation, within the multilateral initiative ADRION and in the Virtual Regional Centre for Maritime Transportation and agreed that in the future period the co-operation will intensify”.

“Frecce Tricolori” to take part at CROIMAS in Zadar

Speaking of the co-operation of air forces of Italy and Croatia Minister Krstičević underlined the cooperation of the aerobatic groups “Wings of Storm” and “Frecce Tricolori” and announced the participation of the famous Italian aerobatic group at the first ever Croatian military air show CROIMAS, marking the 30th anniversary of the state of Croatia.

“I am announcing that the Frecce Tricolori are going to take part in the Air Show in Zadar and wish to appreciate Minister Guerini for the decision. The participation will be another proof of excellent neighbourly and friendly relations”, said Minister Krstičević.

Minister Guerini confirmed the participation of the Italian aerobatic group at the CROIMAS:

“I have the pleasure to confirm the participation of the “Frecce Tricolori” will have the honour to take part at the air show in Zadar this year. It will affirm both the friendly relations of the two countries and governments and contribute to development of our defence co-operation”.

The Italian Ministry appreciated the Croatian counterpart for the confirmed participation of the Croatian aerobatic team “Wings of Storm” at the ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the “Frecce Tricolori”.

“We also discussed the co-operation in education and military technical co-operation. We shall continue discussion at the informal EU defence ministers meeting”, said Minister Krstičević.
 
Minister Guerini agreed that the meeting affirmed the good co-operation of the two countries and ministers too.

“The excellent relations have received a new confirmation with the signature of the Defence Cooperation Agreement”, said Minister Guerini.

The Minister extended best wishes to Croatia for its Presidency of the Council of the EU at a complex moment, characterised by a migrant crisis and corona virus outbreak. He also expressed conviction that during the Presidency important decisions concerning the European integration of the countries of southeast Europe, aimed at stabilisation of the area and future development of the EU.

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