The traditional reception for the members of the Military Diplomatic Corps accredited in the Republic of Croatia ahead of the holiday season was held at the Ministry of Defence on 17^st December. The reception was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, the Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov as well as the Doyen of the Military Diplomatic Corps and the Military Attaché of the United Kingdom Lieutenant Colonel John Kelly, along with other representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the Croatian Armed Forces and the Military Diplomatic Corps.

Reflecting on the year as it comes to an end, Minister Krstičević stressed that 2018 had been a very meaningful year for the development of the Croatian Armed Forces’ capabilities. Some of the years’ activities included the introduction of Kiowa Warrior helicopters into operational service and the procurement of Black Hawk helicopters.

“The United States of America’s investment in the Croatian Armed Forces’ capabilities is yet another proof of our strategic partnership and alliance as well as a confirmation of our excellent collaboration in the field of security and defence. In a transparently conducted tender, our government made a historic decision and chose an excellent multirole fighter aircraft F-16 Barak as a means of protecting Croatian skies,” Minister Krstičević said. He added that the process of procurement of new weapon stations for the Patria AMVs had been set in motion, which would greatly contribute to the development of the Croatian Army’s capabilities, while the prototype of an inshore patrol vessel would vastly improve the Croatian Navy’s capabilities.

“The Croatian Air Force has taken over the first repaired Mi-171Sh helicopter. This has been a historic week for the Croatian Army and Varaždin. After ten years, the Croatian Armed Forces have returned to that town, which marks the continuation of the process of overhauling the operational distribution,” Minister Krstičević said and concluded that building alliances and enhancing partnerships were just as important as developing operational capabilities.

Speaking of the importance that international collaboration has for the Ministry of Defence, Minister Krstičević pointed out that he had participated in 33 international activities in Croatia and abroad throughout the whole year. Out of that number, 23 activities were bilateral meetings. “Military and diplomatic co-operation is important to us. Therefore, we continue to emphasize the great contribution that you as military attachés have had in developing and strengthening all types of co-operation with the ministries of defence in your countries,” Minister Krstičević said and thanked the military attachés for their activities and contribution in 2018.

General Šundov stressed that changes in the world had brought about a need for more intense co-operation across all domains, defence, security and military included.

“It is becoming more evident that the pooling and sharing of resources is the principle of the future. The Croatian Armed Forces are carefully considering how they can actively contribute to each initiative, project, mission or operation that has the potential to contribute to peace, security and the well-being of the mankind,” General Šundov said and added that taking responsibility for future events would be crucial to our prosperity.

“Many challenges and decisions lie ahead of us. These will be challenging at times, but we must bear in mind that all hardships can be more easily overcome if we have someone to support us and show us understanding. Therefore, it is important to co-operate with and appreciate and respect one another,” general Šundov said.

Assistant Minister for Defence Policy Petar Mihatov stressed that the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces’ activities were aimed at strengthening international co-operation and organising different types of activities on an international level.

“We are witnesses to changes in the security paradigm and are aware that we can bear with these changes only if we co-operate and appreciate each other,” Mihatov said.

Lieutenant Colonel John Kelly also stressed the importance of facing the newly-emerged security challenges. He said that it was an honour and a privilege to hold an office in the Republic of Croatia.

“Croatia is a special place to work in. After 30 years of service, I must say that this is my favourite position out of all positions that I have held. We are happy to have had an opportunity to participate in many activities organized by the Croatian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence. Thank you for your generosity and amicability,” the Military Attaché of the United Kingdom said.

The reception featured a musical performance by the Jazz Band of the Croatian Armed Forces.

Text by INDEPENDENT PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT

Photo by MLADEN ČOBANOVIĆ