“The Croatian soldiers have received recognition for their professionalism, humanity and responsibility combined with high trainedness and physical and psychological readiness. I am glad that our allies and partners praise the contribution of the Croatian soldiers“, said the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević during the official visit to Afghanistan from 18-20 December 2019.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević  and the delegation paid an  official visit to Afghanistan, meeting with the members of the 11^th HRVCON deployed to the Resolute Support Mission, alongside 37 countries. The Croatian Contingent is composed of 110 members, assigned with advising the Afghan National Army, police and special forces , as well as military policing and medical duties.

Upon the arrival Minister Krstičević and the delegation of the Ministry of Defence and of the General Staff laid wreaths for  the soldiers fallen in Afghanistan, and paid respects to the Croatian Corporal Josip Briški.

On the first day of the visit Minister Krstičević met with the members of the 11 HRVCON based in Camp Marmal in north Afghanistan and met with the Commander of the TAAC-N Brigadier General Jürgen Brötz.

Upon the arrival Minister Krstičević and the delegation of the Ministry of Defence and of the General Staff laid wreaths for  the soldiers fallen in Afghanistan, and paid respects to the Croatian Corporal Josip Briški.

At the meeting with the Commander of TAAC-N Brigadier General Brötz addressed commendations to the Croatian Armed Forces for their professionalism and appreciated Croatia’s contribution and engagement.

“The Croatian soldiers are doing a great job here at the TAAC – N  in Afghanistan and are making a huge contribution in various areas – medical care, military policing and in staff duties. We have jointly trained and advised the Afghanistan forces, and I wish to extend appreciation tly  ahealth, the military police and the Command. We train and advise Afghan forces together. I am grateful for the great contribution from Croatia“, said Brig. Gen. Brötz

Minister Krstičević praised the visit to the Croatian soldiers in Afghanistan ahead of the Christmas holidays. In the Camp Marmal the Minister talked to the members of the 11th HRVCON about their experiences in Resolute Support Mission and thanked them for their contribution and dignified  representing  Croatia in international environments.

The Minister also shared his pride over the Croatian soldiers: “ Croatian soldiers are recognised for their professionalism, humanity and responsibility and also for their high trainedness and physical and psychological readiness. I gladly receive the commendations for their contribution from our allies and partners“, said Minister Krstičević.

During the visit to Afghanistan the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević on 19 December 2019 met with the Defence Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hajij Asadullah Khalid.

The two ministers discussed the security and political situation in in Afghanistan, the contribution of the  Republic of Croatia in Afghanistan and the possible deals for the Croatian defence industry.

Minister Khalid extended appreciation to Croatia for its engagement and assistance:

“We wish to thank the brave Croatian soldiers for the assistance provided through advising and mentoring of the Afghan forces. The people of Agfhanistanski will never forget their courage“.

The Afghan Minister also extended condolences to the family of the Croatian soldier Cpl Josip Briški  killed in action in Afghanistan defending peace and stability and to the Croatian people for the tragic loss and wished quick recovery of the soldiers wounded in the action“.

Minister Krstičević: Croatian Armed Forces respect the culture and tradition of Afghanistan

Minister Krstičević said Croatia had been engaged in  Afghanistan for 16 years  with more than 6,000 members of the Croatian Armed Forces.

“We  have contributed to peace and security of Afghanistan alongside other NATO nations and partners. The Croatian soldiers have mentored the Afghanistan Security Force and have a sincere understanding for them and respect their culture and tradition. We have helped build the Afghan forces stronger“.

The Afghan Defence Minister said the security and political situation in Afghanistan was slowly improving, in anticipation of further negotiations.  

Minister Krstičević stated:  “We hope that the Afghan forces will soon be able to assume the responsibility for the security and peace in Afghanistan”.

The Minister expressed interest in the Croatian defence industry and the possibility of equipping the Afghan soldiers with Croatian products. The two sides also agreed to continue the talks.      

The Minister also shared his pride over the Croatian soldiers: “ Croatian soldiers are recognised for their professionalism, humanity and responsibility and also for their high trainedness and physical and psychological readiness. I gladly receive the commendations for their contribution from our allies and partners“, said Minister Krstičević.

On the third day opf the visit Minister Krstičevićs and the Croatian delegation met with the Resolute Support Mission Commander, (also the Commander of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan) General  Austin Scott Miller. Minister Krstičević and General Miller talked about the contribution of the Republic of Croatia to Resolute Support Mission, NATO’s plans for the future of the Mission  and on the security situation in Afghanistan. General Miller extended appreciation to Minister Krstičević and to the Republic of Croatia for the committed engagement in Afghanistan . Serving in Afghanistan is important for all our countries, for the partnership in NATO  and it is important to protect all of us. secure. My appreciation goes to you, Minister and to the Croatian state for the sacrifice and the committed service here in Afghanistan”.

Minister Krstičević stated: “Croatia is one of  38 countries deployed to the mission in Afghanistan. Alongside our partners we have contributed to the establishment of international peace and security, advising and mentoring the  Afghan forces for autonomous so that they can take responsibility for peace and security in their country. I am pleased that the Commander of the Mission Determined Support has words of praise for the Croatian soldiers, and I am truly proud. ”

During his visit to Afghanistan, Minister Krstičević and the Director of the -General of the CAF Vice  Admiral Robert Hranj visited the members of the 11^th Croatian contingent based  in Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul and appreciated  their excellence and professionalism.  Minister Krstičević extended appreciation to the Croatian soldiers  serving in Afghanistan and shared his honour and pride over their representing Croatia abroad.

Vice Admiral Hranj said the aim of the visit was to meet with the Croatian soldiers and extend appreciation for the excellent perfomance and to send feedback on the challenges faced. “The operation is complex and demanding, and our soldiers are doing an excellent job. We have received commendations from the Commander of the TAAC –N and from the Resolute Support Mission Commander for the professionalism and responsibility of the Croatian soldiers“, said Vice Admiral Hranj.

Croatian version:

Doprinos miru i sigurnosti