Minister Grabar-Kitarović met in Pentagon with Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England

Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, on a visit to the US, met in Pentagon on Friday, 17 February 2006, with Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England

Minister Grabar-Kitarović and Deputy Secretary of Defense England talked about the possibilities of strengthening the co-operation between Croatia and the US in defense and security.

The two stressed the excellent co-operation between the two countries in global battle against terrorism, Croatia’s support to global peace and security, i. e. its participation in the PSI. In that regard, Minister Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia will continue to take active part in the prevention of the proliferation of the WMDs through organising an ARIEX06 military exercise in Split’s Lora military port, mid-March this year.

The two pointed out the continual strengthening of the defense co-operation between Croatia and the US, namely through the military exercises within the State Partnership Program with Minnesota’s National Guard (unit exchange program), the continuation of the International Military Education and Training Program (education program in the US for the members of the Croatian Armed Forces and Defense Ministry officials), increasing the scope of the expert activities within the Joint Contact Team Program, and the continuity of educating the Croatian attendees at the European Center for Strategic Studies George C. Marshal.

Deputy Secretary of Defense England thanked Croatia for the support in strengthening the peace and security, both regionally and globally, pointing out that the US have recognised and appreciate Croatia’s achievements in the political and security reforms.



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