Minister Krstičević visits the Republic of Slovenia

The two ministers affirmed friendly and neighbourly relations between Croatia and  Slovenia and their mutual interest in continued co-operation. They analysed the bilateral defence co-operation and the co-operation within the multinational initiatives and projects, primarily within the Central European Defence Co-operation, the U.S.- Adriatic Charter, the Southeast Europe  Defence Ministerial and the RACVIAC – the Centre for Security Co-operation.
Minister Krstičević said the meeting was an excellent opportunity to review the relations and outline the mutually beneficial models of bilateral defence co-operation. The Minister briefed the Slovenian Minister on the programme adopted by the Government of the Republic of Croatia, and emphasised the economic prosperity and enhanced capabilities in the domains of defence and security. He underlined the new strategic documents, the National Security Strategy and the Act on the Homeland Security System, as well as the need for shared responsibility and commitment to joint response to threats and risks towards peace, stability and security.
The Slovenian side expressed the interest in the Croatian experiences in that regard, so  Minister Katič stated that both Slovenia and Croatia intended to upgrade and integrate the respective crisis management systems through new strategic documents.
Speaking of the defence co-operation, primarily  in joint exercises and military education, Minister Krstičević underlined that the Republic of Croatia strongly supported the extension of the co-operation between the two navies. Regarding the joint participation in the international exercises, the Minister stated that Croatia intended to continue the practice, together with NATO and the EU partner, to maintain interoperability and acquire new capabilities.
Minister Katič briefed Minister Krstičević on the current situation in the reform of the defence system of the Republic of Slovenia and emphasised the halted decrease of the defence budget, in line with the commitments from the Wales Summit. The Minister confirmed the traditionally good co-operation between Slovenia and Croatia, both bilaterally and within NATO and the EU. “Our countries co-operate very successfully in the domains of education and of the training in functional areas, and participate jointly in the exercises, which is a significant capability-building and interoperability contribution“, said Minister Katič.
The two ministers agreed on the need to continue and intensify the co-operation within NATO Multinational Centre of Excellence for Mountain Warfare.
Following the meeting in the Ministry of Defence Minister Krstičević met with the President of Slovenia Borut Pahor, with whom he discussed the security situation in southeast Europe and beyond, the current challenges faced by the European Union, the migrant crisis and the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the countries of southeast Europe.. The Minister pledged the support from Croatia for its neighbours integration aspirations, primarily through the expert assistance and mentoring in the reorganisation of their defence and security sectors.
Minister Krstičević also met with the Chairman of the Defence Committee of the Parliament of Slovenia Žan Mahnič and visit NATO Multinational Centre of Excellence for Mountain Warfare.

[nggallery id=2258]

{jumi[*105]}