ZAGREB, October 30, 2018 - Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krstičević met on Tuesday with his Austrian counterpart Mario Kunasek to discuss ways to deepen the cooperation between the defence sectors of Croatia and Austria, the Croatian ministry reported.

Krstičević was on an official, reciprocal visit to Austria, after Kunasek paid an official visit to Croatia in May.

The two countries' defence sectors cooperate within the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy, and they have a well-developed cooperation in military training and education, between their military academies and with regard to the training of special forces.

"Agreement was reached to further expand cooperation in the field of defence during the Austrian minister's visit to Croatia next year, when a cooperation agreement will be signed, including cooperation between military academies, cooperation between special forces, and the exchange of experience in assistance to civilian institutions," Krstičević said after the meeting.

Kunasek said that Croatia was a very important and reliable partner to Austria, investing significant effort in the field of defence cooperation. In 2019 Croatia and Austria will organise around 40 joint activities that will expand the current agreement on defence cooperation from 1998, said Kunasek.

The two ministers also agreed to further deepen bilateral cooperation in Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects.

Together with Hungary and Slovenia, Croatia and Austria have launched a PESCO project dedicated to removing nuclear, biological and chemical threats.

Krstičević expressed satisfaction with the meeting with his Austrian counterpart, the third meeting held this year, and underlined its importance for the security of Southeast Europe.

Regional stability and border security in regional and global challenges are among shared priorities, the two ministers said.

This is just one in a series of moves by Croatian government to improve defence cooperation with countries in the European union. For more on activities of Croatia's defence ministry, click here.

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