Today’s meeting marked the end of Croatia’s six–month chairmanship of the U.S.–Adriatic Charter, and it was succeeded by the Republic of Macedonia.

When discussing the current political situation in the region, ministers supported all countries of south–east Europe on their path to Euro–Atlantic integration, considering this would contribute to their long–term stabilisation and political consolidation. They especially emphasized on the importance of the perspective of NATO membership, which stimulates comprehensive reforms in candidate countries. The reforms include not only security and defence measures, but encompass other important areas of life in these countries, including strengthening of democratic principles, free market and rule of law.

Minister Jandroković stressed that the U.S.–Adriatic Charter presents a framework which greatly aided Croatia in preparing for NATO membership. He also stated that for that reason Croatia is happy to be able, as a NATO member country today, to help Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro on their path to NATO membership by its experience and political commitment.

Ministers also discussed the possibilities of joint involvement in Afghanistan and the possibility of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro sending their instructors which would, along with Croatian instructors who are already deployed in Kabul, train the Afghan security forces.

Minister Jandroković expressed belief that the forthcoming conference in Kabul will give plenty of opportunities for launching actions aimed at stabilising the situation and strengthening the Afghan institutions.

There were also talks of activities related to public diplomacy, and Minister Jandroković reminded that in May a workshop on strategic communications for representatives of member countries of the U.S.–Adriatic Charter was organised in Zagreb. Furthermore, the annual conference on public relations related to the ISAF peace mission was held last month.

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