The formal send-off ceremony for the 9^th HRVCON to Resolute Support Mission in in Afghanistan was held in the barracks “Pukovnik Marko Živković” at Pleso on 31 August 2018.

The 9^th Croatian contingent is composed of 106 members (five females), of whom 39 members of the armed forces of the partner forces of partner countries (29 members of the Army of Montenegro, six members of the Army of Macedonia, two members of the Albanian Armed Forces and two members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina). The Commander of the 9th HRVCON is Colonel Dražen Ressler. The ceremony was attended by the Envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia Vlado Galić, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, the special advisor to the Minister  Božo Kožul, the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov, the U.S. Defence Attaché to Croatia Colonel Robert Mathers, the diplomatic and military-diplomatic corps and members of the armed forces of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia.

The envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia Vlado Galić, said that the members of the Croatian Armed Forces have contibuted to the building of the Afghan armed forces and stresed the hope of better future for the generations to “Your task is  to persevere contributing to peace as the previous contingents have done. You must not forget  that trust takes a long time to create and a short time to destroy; remain professional and human, to the pride of the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian Armed Forces”. Reminding that the military profession entailed sacrifice and that efficiency, particularly in demanding tasks as the mission in Afghanistan, depended on the support from the family, Minister Krsticevic stressed that the Croatia was to be defended at the sources of threats rather than on the state  border.

“The top-trained, equipped with quality Croatia-made equipment and weapons, professional and credible Croatian soldiers make the foundation and the soul of the system I’m proud to lead“, said  Krstičević. The Minister reminded of the focus of Ministry of Defence placed  on the human resources –enlisted soldiers, NCOs and officers: “We are building the system you deserve and renewing the Croatian Armed Forces, slowly and firmly.” The Minister concluded: “I am convinced that you will continue the tradition of humanity and understanding for the people of Afghanistan, for their culture and customs; the noble nature of  Croatian soldiers is what makes us recognisable. Security is of foremost  importance – yours and the security of your colleagues“.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces expressed pride of the Croatian soldiers   and their 15-year engagement in the making of peace in Afghanistan and the dignified representing the Croatian Armed Forces and the country itself. “The participation in international missions opens new horizons and provides an incentive for new challenges“, said General Šundov.

“The contribution by the Croatian soldiers to the training and mentoring of the Afghan security forces has been much appreciated by the Afghan people and by the Mission participants, from whom I often receive commendations for your work and contribution to the mission “Resolute Support“, said General Šundov.

The 9^th HRVCON Commander, Colonel Dražen Ressler stressed that the Contingent would carry out all tasks side by side with the allies participating in Resolute Support mission. He commended the efforts by the Contingent members during the pre-deployment and said they were leaving in good hope to provide assistance to Afghanistan. “I expect you to professionally carry out your tasks and security will be our priority“ said Col. Resler

Proud of members of the Croatian Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, who have been participating in Afghanistan for more than 15 years and serve the purpose of establishing peace and dignitously represent their Armed Forces and Croatia, Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov said that participation in international missions opened new perspectives and provides an incentive for new challenges.