Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has welcomed Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević to the Ministry of Defence in London, where the two signed an agreement that will further security and defence relations between the countries.
During the visit, he took the opportunity to praise Croatia’s commitment to NATO operations and wider peacekeeping exercises whilst exploring the ways the UK and Croatia can work together on joint defence activities.
The agreement confirms that the UK will hold annual Defence talks with Croatia, which will be held at policy director level, as well as developing the UK-Croatian Defence relationship focusing on: existing joint operations to support stability, peace and security; effective deployments together on future international operations; and further opportunities and benefits for defence procurement and equipment support.
The meeting is well timed as this year sees Croatia contributing to the NATO high readiness force, which the UK is leading. Croatian Military Police and a Civil Military Co-operation team will work with the UK
Croatia will also contribute to the German Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “Croatia is a good partner of the UK with our Armed Forces’ serving together within NATO in Afghanistan and in Europe. The UK will continue to play a leading role in NATO and I welcome Croatia’s commitment to the high-readiness force that we are heading this year.”
Discussions were also held over a future meeting with the Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, later this year, as well as HMS Defender’s visit to the port of Split last June. The meeting with the Croatian minister comes on the heels of the Defence Secretary’s visit to Bulgaria and highlights the on going good relationship the UK holds with southern and eastern European states.
Image: © Crown Copyright. Sir Michael Fallon (left) shakes hands with His Excellency Damir Krstičević, flanked the Ceremonial Guard of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment outside MOD Main Building.
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