The delegation was led by the national coordinator for NATO, Pjer Simunovic, and Assistant Defence Minister Igor Pokaz.
Simunovic said the deputy mission chiefs of NATO member states commended the programme and congratulated Croatia on the launching of European Union entry negotiations.
The MAP is a NATO programme for the preparation of countries aspiring to membership.
In the document, Croatia said that in terms of political criteria emphasis would be placed on the completion of the refugee return process and the restitution of their property, judicial reform, prevention of corruption, upgrading of the legal framework regarding human rights and protection of minorities, and continuation of the action plan to arrest Ante Gotovina, who is wanted by the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague.
Regarding defence and military issues, Croatia completed a strategic defence review, which sets the foundations for the further development of the defence system compatible with NATO. Plans include devising a long term development plan which will define the new organisation of the armed forces and concrete projects regarding modernisation and equipment so that all the necessary capabilities could be achieved by 2015.
Regarding financial aspects, NATO recommends earmarking at least two per cent of GDP for defence. In its latest MAP programme, Croatia might set aside between 1.7 and 1.8 per cent, although no decision has been made yet.
Croatia will triple the number of its troops in the NATO peace mission in Afghanistan from 50 to 150, which has already been approved by parliament. In Afghanistan, Croatia will also continue its civil engagement with one diplomat and three police advisors.
The latest MAP programme will also focus on public relations so that Croatians could learn about NATO's role and support Croatia's membership of the alliance.
Regarding further NATO enlargement, the alliance is expected to hold a consolidation summit in 2006 and an enlargement summit in 2008, when Croatia expects to be invited to join.