In his speech, Minister Jandroković emphasized the importance of promoting the NATO values in South Eastern Europe and strengthening the alliance between the member countries. He said that NATO plays a special role in ensuring the peace and stability of this part of Europe, making room for economic development and democratic reforms. Minister Jandroković expressed his conviction in the NATO and EU membership being the future of the countries of South Eastern Europe.
In that regard, he said Croatia would continue to actively contribute to the stability of the region by transferring its experience in the Euro-Atlantic processes with the region’s countries, adding that Kosovo and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain of primary importance for the region’s stability.
Speaking about Afghanistan, Minister Jandroković said that its situation still presents a threat to global security. He pointed out that Croatia, through its engagement as a future NATO member, is assuming increasingly more demanding tasks, especially in regard to training the Afghan army, which is one of ISAF’s priorities. Minister Jandroković noted the ISAF mission as an example of a successful NATO operation, emphasizing that Croatia would remain dedicated to the international efforts of establishing peace and stability in the world.
The ministers agreed that NATO plays a special role in Europe’s security architecture and is of extreme importance in the protection of its common values. They pointed out that Europe’s security cannot be complete without including new democracies into the Euro-Atlantic integration process. They also expressed satisfaction over the recent enlargement of the US-Adriatic Charter to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
The ministers also exchanged opinions about the topics slated for the forthcoming NATO Summit, to be held 3 and 4 March 2009 in Strasbourg and Kehl, expressing their belief that Croatia and Albania would take part in it as the Alliance’s full-fledged members.