ZAGREB, November 13, 2019 - The European Union and NATO are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary and Croatia has no doubts about NATO's relevance, Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said on Tuesday.
"NATO and the EU have to cooperate. They are not mutually exclusive and we always have to take their complementarity into account. NATO and the Croatian Army are the foundation of security. NATO is the largest, strongest military-political alliance and we have no doubts whatsoever about its relevance," Krstičević told reporters in Brussels when asked to comment on French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement that NATO had experienced "brain death."
Krstičević was attending an informal meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers, the last prior to Croatia taking over the presidency of the Council of the EU.
"Croatia's presidency is a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to present our beautiful country. We are completely prepared for the presidency," Krstičević underscored and listed the topics that Croatia wishes to highlight in the area of defence.
"Those are the continuation and coherence of defence initiatives that have been launched (PESCO, CARD, European Defence Fund and Military Mobility), with emphasis on developing capabilities and strengthening cooperation between the European Union and NATO, the strengthening of the defence industry and the strengthening of the EU's efforts in Southeast Europe with regard to security and defence," said Krstičević.
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