ZAGREB, July 7 (Hina) - Defence Minister Zeljka Antunovic said on Monday that military cooperation between Croatia and the United States was good despite Washington's discontinuation of military assistance to Zagreb.
ZAGREB, July 7 (Hina) - Defence Minister Zeljka Antunovic said on
Monday that military cooperation between Croatia and the United
States was good despite Washington's discontinuation of military
assistance to Zagreb. #L#
"Military aid funds are important, but if that's the decision of the
United States (to suspend the aid), we'll have to survive in another
way," the defence minister said after talks with the new U.S.
ambassador to Croatia, Ralph Frank.
Speaking to reporters, Antunovic said that bilateral cooperation
was developing well and was being enhanced every day, regardless of
the cancellation of the aid.
According to her, the U.S. ambassador positively assessed the
ongoing reform in Croatia's military and its bid to come closer to
NATO.
Frank confirmed that the two countries would continue cooperating
in their efforts to strengthen the armed forces, stabilise the
region, and as part of the anti-terrorist coalition, Antunovic
added.
She said that the United States was Croatia's most important
partner in the areas of defence and national security, adding that
Zagreb was also following the development of the European defence
strategy.
"Our aspiration for NATO membership is not contrary to the EU
because the EU also relies on NATO in which the United States plays a
leading role," the Croatian minister said.
(hina) ms sb