ZAGREB, February 6, 2019 - Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krstičević began a two-day official visit to Macedonia on Tuesday, expressing full support for Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration and readiness for further bilateral cooperation, the Defence Ministry said in a press release.
Krstičević also congratulated Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Defence Minister Radmila Sekerinska on reaching an agreement with Greece that resolved the dispute over Macedonia's name.
"This is a historic success that will enable Macedonia to continue its Euro-Atlantic integration towards membership of NATO and the European Union. Croatia will continue to offer its support to Macedonia on its Euro-Atlantic path and is ready to share its know-how and experience with you. We are pleased that the Croatian Embassy in Skopje was NATO's contact point and that Croatia was able to provide expert assistance to Macedonia in establishing contacts, convening meetings and in negotiations with NATO representatives," Krstičević said.
Prime Minister Zaev said that these were historic times for Macedonia. "We have achieved an important agreement with Greece which is significant for Macedonia's future. I am pleased that you are visiting Macedonia in this significant week and we are grateful for the help that Croatia offered to Macedonia in its integration with NATO. We thank the Croatian government for its great support. Croatia and Macedonia are truly great friends," Zaev underscored.
During the meeting with Minister Sekerinska, it was pointed out that Croatia and Macedonia are friendly countries that have excellent defence cooperation.
Minister Sekerinska thanked Croatia for the support it continually provided to Macedonia. "Thank you, Croatia, for everything you have done for Macedonia in bilateral relations and regarding NATO. The Croatian Embassy was NATO's contact point and it truly provided quality preparations and assistance. Indeed, Croatia and Macedonia have a long partnership and friendly relations. I am pleased that we have excellent cooperation in the area of defence, particularly in training and education," she said.
The ministers agreed that it was important to continue bilateral cooperation, emphasising that "we are participating together in the A-5 initiative which is an example of excellent cooperation and joint preparation of our soldiers for operations and missions in an international environment. We have established excellent cooperation over the years in training and educating Macedonian officers at Croatia's Military Academy."
The ministers also discussed expanding cooperation and exchanging experiences in the field of assisting civilian institutions and in the defence industry.
Minister Krstičević is also due to meet with Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi and President Gjorge Ivanov.
More news on the relations between Croatia and Macedonia can be found in the Politics section.
