NATO Military Committee holds Conference in Split

  The President stated that the conference entailed constructive discussions and on following up on the Warsaw and Wales Summits Commitments.
The President said the chiefs of defence’s task was to make a step further in facing the challenges ahead of the Alliance.
“The answer on how to confront these challenges can fit into a single word which encompasses the most fundamental principle and value of NATO – solidarity“, said the President. 
In his opening address the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Petr Pavel praised Croatia’s active role within the Alliance. „“Croatia is a full member of NATO, who has demonstrated the commitment  to the the principles of the Alliance through continued engagement in the operations led by the Alliance. Speaking on the topics discussed at the Conference in Split  the Chairman stated that the chiefs of defence discussed the possible improvements within NATO command structure and force structure respectively. The focus in the second part  was on the ongoing operations and activities within NATO, with the emphasis on Resolute Support Mission, as the Alliance’s main operational effort.

In an introduction to the Conference the Chief of the General Staff, General Mirko Šundov stated it was a regular meeting of the Military Committee in the chiefs of defence session and the first one following the Warsaw Summit.  “The chiefs of defence will discuss the implementation of the tasks discussed by the North Atlantic Council in the heads of state and governments session and on the modalities of the response of the military structure to the issues and challenges.

The main role of the Military Committee is to produce guidelines and advice on military matters.  The Committee is responsible for the recommandations to the political authorities on the measures considered necessary for the common defence of the NATO area and for the implementation of decisions regarding NATO-led operations and missions. 

The working sessions within the Military Committee Conference were concluded with a joint media conference with the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Petr Pavel and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov.
The Chairman of the MIlitary Commitee summed the conclusions from the Conference „The Alliance needs to have the required capabilities, forces and resources to deter  any threat and counter all contingencies. Much has already been achieved but continuous adaptation is necessary. Today’s conference was an opportunity to bring together the chiefs of defence of the member nations, the two Strategic Commanders and Montenegro to deliberate on the implementation of the decisions made by Heads of State and Government in the NATO Summit in Warsaw in  July“
 
The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov in his statement for the media underlined that it was the first hosting of a Military Committee conference for Croatia. “One of the important topics discussed was terrorism as a serious danger to the security and stability in the world, as well as other threats to world peace and economy. NATO member nations, Croatia included, share the stand that the fight against terrorism must be continued. Croatia  remains permanently dedicated to the joint fight against all architects of instability in the world and stand together with our Allies and partners. A proof of it is the fact that the Croatian Armed Forces are currently engaged in six peace support missions and operations, two led by NATO, and will take part in the  newest NATO initiative for enhanced forces along the eastern border of the Aliance – the reinforced mechanised company within the German battlegroup stationed in Lithuania.

General Pavel appreciated General Šundov for hosting the conference and for Croatia’s contribution to the common security, extending the recognition to the members of the Croatian Armed Forces for their commitment to the values of the Alliance and for the engagement in peace support missions and operations worldwide.

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