"I am very proud to have the honour to be supreme commander of an army which made the Croatian people's dream of... a sovereign and independent Croatia a reality. In only 15 years ... you have become a modern army that can be the mainstay of this country and its citizens. You experienced the cruelty of war as well as the emotions that can be felt only by those who defend their home and dearest ones. You grew and developed fast and you transformed. Some of you went though the painful process of leaving the army and finding another job. But when we decided to establish a modern, mobile and professionally trained army, we had to start its reorganisation and that process is still not over," Mesic said in the message.
The long-term development plan for the Armed Forces envisages the development of armed forces that will protect Croatia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and cooperate with partners and allies in providing for international peace and stability, Mesic said.
Participation in numerous UN missions, including the UN mission in Afghanistan, and numerous commendations and medals received by members of the Croatian Armed Forces are proof of commitment to preserving peace and building and developing democratic principles of modern civilisation, Mesic said.