ZAGREB, September 12, 2018 – Lithuanian Defence Minister Raimundas Karoblis on Wednesday thanked the Croatian army for participating in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence mission in Lithuania, saying Croatia was an important partner to Lithuania and a true friend in Southeast Europe.
Karoblis was on his first official visit to Croatia during which he met with Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, which was their third meeting in the past six months.
The two officials said the relations between the two friendly countries were excellent and had been enhanced recently.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Karoblis thanked Croatian troops for participating in NATO’s mission in Lithuania. That was a true expression of solidarity, a true expression of their contribution as allies, he said. He recalled that Croatia was the first Central European country which joined the mission and expressed hope that they will continue to cooperate in that important format. He said the mission was of vital importance for his country, given the current security situation.
The first Croatian contingent of 182 troops was in the mission from November 2017 to July 2018.
The two ministers also discussed how to advance cooperation between their land forces and medical teams.
We are especially pleased with the cooperation with Croatia’s defence industry, which has proved to be a reliable partner, said Karoblis, hopeful that cooperation will continue. Croatia is a very important partner and a true friend in Southeast Europe. Croatia and Lithuania are friendly countries and our cooperation has significantly improved recently, he said.
Commenting on the NATO mission in Lithuania, Krstičević said it was a confirmation of Croatia’s solidarity and friendship with Lithuania and, for the Croatian Army, a great experience and an opportunity to strengthen its capabilities and interoperability.
I hope that in 2020, if the Croatian parliament approves it, we will be ready to participate in the mission in Lithuania again, Krstičević said.
Karoblis and a delegation of the Croatian Defence Ministry visited the plants of the Šestan-Busch company in Prelog, which makes military equipment, and the HS Produkt company in Karlovac, which makes firearms.
The Lithuanian army has been using Croatian-made helmets for several years as well as Čateks’ material for the Lithuanian army’s combat uniforms, Krstičević said, adding that HS Produkt will apply to a call for the procurement of firearms.
