NATO ACO Deputy Commander visits MOD

During the meeting they discussed further Croatian involvement in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. The importance of continued capacity building of Afghan security forces, with emphasis on the recruitment of additional mentoring and instructor capabilities in accordance with the new allied strategy in Afghanistan was emphasized as well. General McColl praised Croatian contribution in the ISAF mission in mentoring teams, as well as the involvement of Croatian contingents in KFOR mission in Kosovo. General McColl also commended the Government’s efforts in strengthening regional cooperation and stressed that joining of the Republic of Croatia to NATO contributed to stability in the region. MOD State Secretary Simunovic thanked General McColl for the support of the Allied Command Operation provided in the integration of Croatia into NATO, highlighting the willingness and openness for further fully cooperation with the ACO. He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation and interest of Croatia to assist countries in the region in their accession to Euro-Atlantic integrations, and as example MOD State Secretary mentioned yesterday’s visit of Minister Vukelic to Montenegro, where during the meeting with Minister Vucinic, they talked on Croatian experiences related to its accession to NATO, as well as on Croatian support in preparations and participation of the Armed Forces of Montenegro in NATO peace support operations.
During his official visit to Croatia, General McColl also met Chief of General Staff General Josip Lucic, where they discussed the participation of the Croatian Armed Forces in peace support operations and on force generation (ISAF, KFOR).