Traditional Christmas reception in the Ministry of Defence
The traditional Christmas and New Year reception held in the Ministry of Defence on 21 December 2018 was attended by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović alongside the Defence Minister Damir Krstičević and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundo, retired generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markač , enlisted leaders, NCOs, officers and commanders of the Croatian Armed Forces, members of the Croatian Parliament and of the Croatian Generals Association, representatives of the ministries and of the associations of Croatian defenders, top athletes serving in the Croatian Armed Forcesm representatives of the Croatian defence industry and of the media and others.
The President extended appreciation and pledged support to the Defence Minister Damir Krstičević with his efforts in strengthening and modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces.
“Fully aware of the courage and determination involved in the initiatives and the responsibility assumed I believe that by half 2019 we are going to conclude the procurement of the multi-role fighter aircraft deserved by the Croatian Air Force and Croatia. The heroism of the Croatian defenders and of today’s Croatian soldiers is evinced in any act of service to the homeland.
Minister Krstičević underlined importance of unity Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces and extended appreciation to President Grabar-Kitarović and the Prime Minister for the firm support received from them.
Christmas message of devotion to our neighours, families and friends, of unity and humility also applies to the defence system – unity, mutual respect and esteem are the values to be nurtured in future, said the Minister.
“All the achievements are a result of our joint efforts. It has been a year full of challenges and achievements – the Croatian Armed Forces have grown into a respectable military force, as displayed in the Exercise “Velebit 18″, and I am taking the opportunity to congratulate all participants on anexcellent outcome”, said the Minister.
General Šundov commended the tasks of the Croatian Armed Forces conducted in the past year and extended appreciation for the efforts invested into enhancement of their capabilities.
“The Croatian Armed Forces will continue to perform their tasks professionally and responsibly in 2019“, said General Šundov extending Christmas wishes.
The ceremony featured a presentation of promoted personnel and a video on “Ministry of Defence and Croatian Armed Forces “Achievements of the year 2018”, highlighting the major projects in the past year, and of the Military Solidarity Foundation, which has become active and donated funds to two members of the Croatian Armed Forces (of the Croatian Air Force and of the Support Command respectively).
The Foundation was established with the aim of promoting charity and providing support to the personnel of the Ministry of Defence and of the Croatian Armed Forces in the event of compromised social status. The past decade has seen over 150 charity actions in the defence system that were widely responded to by the personnel of the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces. The Foundation was incepted to ensure sustainability and expand the funds collection sources and to ensure efficient and timely provision of the necessary assistance to the vulnerable members and to their families.
The reception featured a performance by the Croatian Navy’s Vocal Ensemble “Sveti Juraj” and the Croatian Armed Forces’ Jazz Band and the soloist Matija Cvek, and the Military Ordinary Mons Jure Bogdan gave a benediction.