Speaking to the press before departing Croatia, Jones said the talks he held in Croatia taught him a lot about the current situation in the Balkans.
Expressing satisfaction with his visit and the warm welcome, the general said the talks were open and frank. He thanked Croatia for its contribution to NATO operations in Afghanistan and commended the engagement of Croatian troops currently deployed there.
Jones spoke to the press together with the Croatian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Josip Lucic.
Jones said his talks with Lucic addressed future activities, which he added would be based on closer cooperation.
Asked if Croatia was ready to join NATO, General Jones said this was a decision to be made on the political level. He added that in the meantime it was important for Croatia and NATO to cooperate and for the Croatian military to adopt NATO standards.
General Lucic said he was satisfied with the talks too, adding that he informed the NATO commander about the organisation and reform of the Croatian military.
Lucic said 126 armoured transporters were being bought in order to step up the mobility of the army. He added the talks also addressed the tasks of the air force and the navy.
Lucic said the Croatian Air Force was in a transitional phase and was currently using Mig21 aircraft. He added that Western-type aircraft would be purchased in the future.
Asked if the announcement of the purchase of new aircraft was the confirmation of media reports about the purchase of US F16 aircraft, Lucic said the Croatian Mig21 aircraft would be used by 2010.
He said it took several years to introduce a new type of aircraft and that if Croatia wanted new aircraft by 2010, the next couple of years should be used to choose the aircraft and meet all technical requirements.
Lucic underlined that this was a political decision, adding that the aircraft that would be bought would be Western-type and compatible with NATO standards.