Press Releases
Joint Statement of the Co-Chairpersons of the Third U.S.-Croatia Bilateral Defense Consultations
(ZAGREB, CROATIA, JUNE 29-30, 2005)
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2005
Recognizing a common interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting international peace, security and stability, the United States Department of Defense and the Croatian Ministry of Defense held Bilateral Defense Consultations (BDC) in Zagreb, Croatia on June 29-30, 2005.
On behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Croatian Ministry of Defense, the proceedings were co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Eurasia, James MacDougall, and Assistant Minister for Defense Policy Igor Pokaz. The goal of these consultations was to discuss areas for cooperation between the respective defense establishments as Croatia draws closer to its goal of NATO membership.
The U.S. co-chair expressed appreciation for Croatia's contributions to the Global War on Terrorism, including the recent announcement to triple the size of Croatia's contingent serving under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Both co-chairs expressed satisfaction with the recent deployment of a Croatian platoon to Minnesota for a combined training event. The co-chairs expressed their gratitude to the Minnesota National Guard under the State Partnership Program for providing important support to Croatia's continuing defense reforms.
As a result of the Bilateral Defense Consultations, the co-chairs agreed to focus efforts over the forthcoming year on attaining mutually-determined goals in the following three areas: first, developing capabilities to enhance Croatia's interoperability with NATO; second, supporting necessary defense reform and modernization programs for the transformation of the Croatian Armed Forces; and, third, pursuing joint activities in the area of border security and maritime interdiction operations. Training and education, combined exercises, and regular defense contacts are essential components of these areas of cooperation.
The United States and Croatia reaffirmed the importance of strengthening relations and cooperation, as well as promoting security and stability in the region. The Department of Defense of the United States and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia plan to develop further initiatives to more effectively meet common security challenges. Both sides agreed to hold bilateral defense consultations again next year with the United States hosting.