In his opening speech in the round table, State Secretary Božinović stressed that the year 2010 is crucial for achieving a long–term goal – absolute leadership of the Afghan government in fields of security, society and state management and economic development. Mentioning the reasons for which Afghanistan became the focus of interest of the international community after the terrorist attacks in 2001, Božinović emphasized the role of ISAF (International Security Assistant Force) in the process of political and civil stabilisation of Afghanistan, as well as Croatian participation in this mission, which is also the biggest and most significant Croatian contribution to world peace and stability.

Speaking of the Croatian contingent in Afghanistan, which is currently numbering 300 members, State Secretary Božinović stressed that it is in Croatia’s interest to give professional and technical aid to Afghan people, so they could independently maintain security and stability of their country.

Božinović concluded his speech by listing positive effects of Croatia’s participation in ISAF. He especially emphasized that stronger involvement in international peace missions strengthened Croatia’s readiness for NATO membership and accelerated the adaptation to NATO standards. Other countries of the region would also benefit from involvements of this kind on their Euro–Atlantic path, concluded State Secretary Božinović.

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