President and Prime Minister meet to discuss defence and foreign policy issues

The first part of the meeting focused on defence issues, including the current situation in the defence sector and prospects of its development, financing and plans for modernisation. Emphasis was put on the need for cost rationalisation by improving work organisation.

The security of Croatian citizens and the country as a whole, the security of military personnel in the course of their duties at home and abroad, and Croatia’s contribution to international security were cited as priorities.

Kosor and Josipovic agreed that a procedure should be initiated in the national parliament to send an additional 20 personnel to the Croatian contingent of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

The second part of the meeting was devoted to foreign policy issues, with the President and the Prime Minister exchanging views on current and planned activities on the foreign policy front.

Under discussion were issues relating to the completion of the European Union accession process, including the importance of more intensive communication with the public in the final stage of accession negotiations.

Also discussed were ways of promoting relations with neighbours and regional cooperation, the statement concluded.