Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović participated in the Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the countries participating in the ISAF Mission in Brussels

Addressing the meeting participants and speaking from Croatian four-year experience in ISAF peace operations in Afghanistan, Minister Grabar-Kitarović said that the Republic of Croatia fully supported the views and shared opinions of the international community on the need for a comprehensive approach to problems in Afghanistan. Such an approach includes increasing military activities, but also additional efforts in building civil society, establishing institutions, developing democracy and introducing stability and peace.

The Republic of Croatia is prepared to take its share of responsibility, stressed Minister Grabar-Kitarović and mentioned that the Republic of Croatia, as decided by the Croatian Parliament, would increase the number of its military officials and soldiers participating in peace operations, from the present 150 to 200, while the number is to rise up to 300 in 2008. The Republic of Croatia is also seriously considering the possibility of leading a Provincial Reconstruction Team.

Speaking on Croatian participation in future ISAF activities in Afghanistan, the Minister stressed that the Republic of Croatia would continue to provide long-term expert assistance in Afghan national police training in Feyzabad as well as assistance in building civil society, especially through projects with the aim of enhancing the administrative capacities of government institutions, the rule of law, the law implementation and the protection of human rights.

Striving to provide support for Afghanistan in developing administrative capacities, the Republic of Croatia ensured appropriate assistance for the Kabul female school as well as other types of social and humanitarian aid, and also organized courses at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration for Afghan diplomats to attend. Wishing to contribute to experience exchange regarding gender equality, position of women and human rights protection, the Republic of Croatia also organized a study visit to Croatia by representatives of the Afghan Ministry for Women’s Affairs, Minister Grabar-Kitarović added.

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner for External Relations, World Bank representatives and Foreign Affairs Ministers of 29 countries also participated in the meeting in Brussels, chaired by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. In the margins of the meeting at the level of foreign ministers, Minister Grabar-Kitarović met with most of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the participant countries.

Meeting - Photo Gallery (www.nato.int)