ZAGREB, June 14, 2018 – In the fight against terrorism, which does not affect only some countries but the whole international community, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation so as to effectively prevent attacks instead of responding only when they occur, the first International Homeland Security Forum heard in Israel on Wednesday.
Croatia was represented by Interior Minister Davor Božinović. The forum was initiated by Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan.
In his address, Božinović said security was the foundation of all segments of society, so Croatia welcomed Israel’s initiative for a better exchange of information and experience and for stronger cooperation. Aware of the importance of air security, Croatia secured in its legislation all the necessary prerequisites for exchanging passenger data. He also highlighted the importance of public space protection and the need of cooperating with local communities and the public and private sectors in a more effective response to the terror threat.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, with whom Božinović met on the fringes of the forum, also underlined the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism.
We had a very meaningful talk, he said, recalling that the US Department of Homeland Security was in charge of issues of major importance in Croatia too, from cyber crime to the organisation of border services. “That is very important to us in the context of dealing with the migrant pressure. The issue of covering the border and controlling everyone entering Croatia isn’t just a matter of numbers, tourism and the economy. It is increasingly becoming a security issue. Everyone at this conference is aware of that and we talked about it today,” he said.
“Our ambition to turn Croatian police into a modern police force of the 21st century couldn’t be achieved without cooperating with the best and the most organised in the world. That is why we are here today and we are being treated as we deserve.”
Božinović said he and Nielsen also talked about the US Visa Waiver Program. “Our proactive approach has been recognised, everything we have been doing in this area has been recognised, including the implementation of IT solutions important for the US as well.”
He said Croatian Interior Ministry and US Department of Homeland Security staff “hold regular meetings and find solutions to all that needs to be solved in order to achieve the fundamental goal for both them and us, which is the protection of citizens, the protection of democracy and our way of life.”
