\u00a0 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.
\u201cThe answer on how to confront these challenges can fit into a single word which encompasses the most fundamental principle and value of NATO – solidarity\u201c, said the President.\u00a0
In his opening address the Chairman of the Military Committee, General Petr Pavel praised Croatia’s active role within the Alliance. \u201e\u201cCroatia is a full member of NATO, who has demonstrated the commitment\u00a0 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\u00a0 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\u00a0 was on the ongoing operations and activities within NATO, with the emphasis on Resolute Support Mission, as the Alliance’s main operational effort. <\/p>\n
In an introduction to the Conference the Chief of the General Staff, General Mirko \u0160undov stated it was a regular meeting of the Military Committee in the chiefs of defence session and the first one following the Warsaw Summit.\u00a0 “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. <\/p>\n
The main role of the Military Committee is to produce guidelines and advice on military matters.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
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 \u0160undov.
The Chairman of the MIlitary Commitee summed the conclusions from the Conference \u201eThe Alliance needs to have the required capabilities, forces and resources to deter\u00a0 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\u00a0 July\u201c
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The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko \u0160undov in his statement for the media underlined that it was the first hosting of a Military Committee conference for Croatia. \u201cOne 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\u00a0 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\u00a0 newest NATO initiative for enhanced forces along the eastern border of the Aliance \u2013 the reinforced mechanised company within the German battlegroup stationed in Lithuania. <\/p>\n
General Pavel appreciated General \u0160undov 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. <\/p>\n[nggallery id=2137]\n
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