Minister of National Defence of Poland visits Ministry of Defence

The two ministers affirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Croatia, which rest on a strong partnership and deep  mutual understanding. Both the Polish and Croatian side have confirmed the ambition to continue intensifying the co-operation,underlining the importance of the Three Seas Initiative as a platform for future projects in the domains of mutual interest. I will fully support any initiative aimed at deeper connection of the two countries..
Poland is one of Croatia’s most important strategic allies in the domain of defence, as evident from the intensive and productive co-operation developed. Continued co-operation, both bilaterally and within NATO,  will be my priority in the future period as well“, said Minister Krstičević.
The ministers discussed the prospective participation of the Croatian Armed Forces within enhanced Forward Presence in Poland, assigned to the U.S.-led Battlegroup.  Minister Macierewicz extended appreciation to the Croatian  Armed Forces for allied solidarity, and stated that they enjoyed high respect in Poland for their expert qualities and patriotism. 
The Croatian Armed Forces (up to 90 members) are to participate in NATO enhanced Forward Presence in Poland within the U.S.-led Battlegroup as of October 2017, on a six-month rotation basis.
An additional demonstration of the well-developed bilateral defence co-operation is also the fact that several Croatian officers have been assigned to NATO commands and special forces and Military Police centres of excellence based in Poland.  The two special forces and military police forces have been co-operating for years too, leading to a high level of interoperability between the Croatian and the Polish Armed Forces.
Ministers Krstičević and Macierewicz exchanged views on the current global security and political situation and reiterated the commitment to NATO’s  “Open Door Policy“ and the readiness for continued support to the aspirant countries.
Minister Macierewicz appreciated the Croatian side for hosting his visit to the Marian Shrine at Marija Bistrica and the jubilary 25th Pilgrimage of the Croatian Armed Forces, police forces and the Croatian defenders and said:„“Yesterday was a special day, with a highly emotional moment for me and the entire Polish delegation“.
The Minister invited his Croatian counterpart to an official visit to  Poland.
The Polish Minister also met with the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.