Ministers Bošković and Krstičević: Croatian experience is immeasurably important for Montenegro's integration process

Zagreb, Croatia (7 April 2017) – Minister of Defence Predrag Bošković met today with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Damir Krstičević in Zagreb.

Minister Bošković emphasised very good cooperation between the two friendly neighbouring countries, which is constantly improving and upgrading through numerous activities of the two ministries of defence. He stressed the importance of joint participation of Montenegrin and Croatian soldiers in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, as well as cooperation between the two countries within regional initiatives Adriatic Charter (A-5) and SEDM. Minister Bošković pointed out that Croatian experience was of immeasurable importance in Montenegro's integration process to the EU.

Croatian Minister Krstičević expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the two countries will be soon at the Alliance's table. This, according to him, is the basis for opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, especially during the current security challenges, which urge stronger connections and finding common answers. He expressed strong support for Montenegro's path towards the European Union, as well as the Croatian willingness to share its experiences in the accession negotiations with the EU, particularly in the area of the Common Security and Defence Policy.

The two officials agreed that the best model for the stabilisation and prosperity of the neighbourhood is continued European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and that the stability of Southeast Europe is a priority, given the challenges it faces.

The two ministers signed the Agreement on education of cadets of the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro in Croatia.

Minister Bošković also met today with representatives of the Committee on Security of the Croatian Parliament. The officials highlighted the good cooperation between the two countries in the defence sector.