“The Republic of Croatia as a  UN member state of the United Nations values the efforts towards the stabilisation of the situation in the peace support missions worldwide. In the 27-year span Croatia evolved from a recipent of the international assistance into a provider of forces in international peace support missions and operations with our allies“, said Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, sharing his conviction that the Contingent would add on to the overall Croatian contribution to the global security and stability“. The send.-off for the 1^st HRVCON UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) was held in the Barracks in Karlovac on 18 April 2018; it is composed of 52 members and will be integrated into the Italian contingent, comprising the members of the Brigade “Julia“ within the General Engineer Support Company. The 1^st HRVCON Commander is Major Željko Javorović and the Commander of the Engineer Company is Captain Dražen Brkić. The send-off ceremony was attended by the Envoy of the President of the Republic  the Defrence Miinister Damir Krstičević, Deputy  Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Drago Matanović, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Robert Kohorst, the Defence Attaché of the Italian Republic Brig. Gen. Giuseppe Gimondo, the Defencé Attache of Hungary Lt. Col. László Attila Szendröi, and the representatives of the Ministry of the Interior and of the local government. Minister Damir Krstičević underlined the Contingent represented not only themselves but their homeland too, whose flag was displayed on their uniforms. “You are true representatives of the victorious Croatian military which has always wisely responded to any challenges faced“. The Minister praised the fact  that the Contingent members were entirely equipped with the Croatia-made products.The members of the Croatian Armed Forces  have been engaged in UNIFIL since 2007, as staff officers. “Croatia is fully aware that security is the precondition of prosperity“, said the Minister. “The Republic of Croatia as a  UN member state values the efforts towards the stabilisation of the situation in the peace support missions worldwide. In the 27-year span Croatia evolved from a recipent of the international assistance into a provider of forces in international peace support missions and operations with our allies“, said Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, sharing his conviction that the Contingent would add on to the overall Croatian contribution to the global security and stability. The U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, H.E. Robert Kohorst quoted the words of the U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis that “Croatia was a small country fighting above its weight“. ”I am honoured to have the opportunity to see first-hand the impressive engineer unit and am sure that Croatia will again provide a huge contribution to the peace and stability in that region.“ Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Matanović extended wishes for another successful mission. “By participating in UNIFIL the Republic of Croatia confirms solidarity with other countries, and proves to be a credible UN member, committed to providing support to peace and security worldwide“. The Commander of the Croatian Army, Brigadier General Siniša Jurković underlined teamwork and humanity as vital for the success and recognisability of the Croatian military. “Special appreciation goes to your families for supporting your  decision“, Brigadier General  Giuseppe Gimondo (IT DATT) said  UNIFIL was an example of co-operation  that helps protect world peace and stability. „“I believe the Croatian engagement in UNFIIL will improve its efficiency, as evidenced by the readiness of the European countries to take part in the missions hugely important for the stability in the Middle East“. Lt. Col Marco Aculeo, the Commander of the Italian unit, shared the belief in the high level of preparedness of the Croatian soldiers who will be a valuable partners for the members of the Italian Armed Forces . The Commander of the UNIFIL Engineer Company, Captain Dražen Brkić recalled the past 22 months spent in intensive training and preparation and said he believed the mission would be successful. “We have completed 145 tasks, and I am especially proud that the Engineer Company provided the assistance to the civilian population affected by emergencies. I believe we shall make our country proud again“.