ZAGREB, Nov 28 (Hina) - Croatia can expect Great Britain's assistance in its efforts to come closer to NATO, Croatian Defence Minister Jozo Rados said after the talks with his British counterpart Geoffrey Hoon in Zagreb on Tuesday.
Croatia can expect Great Britain's help in the accomplishment of its objectives to enter NATO by making all practical steps in its full membership in the Partnership for Peace, Rados told reporters. We considered the furtherance of our cooperation, in particular the cooperation in other areas such as the participation of our troops together with Britons in peace forces, Rados added. We have continued to develop good understanding between Croatia and Great Britain, British Defence Secretary Hoon said. According to Rados, they also discussed Britain's contribution to Croatia's efforts to establish a system of long-term defence planning and the training of Croatian
ZAGREB, Nov 28 (Hina) - Croatia can expect Great Britain's
assistance in its efforts to come closer to NATO, Croatian Defence
Minister Jozo Rados said after the talks with his British
counterpart Geoffrey Hoon in Zagreb on Tuesday.
Croatia can expect Great Britain's help in the accomplishment of
its objectives to enter NATO by making all practical steps in its
full membership in the Partnership for Peace, Rados told
reporters.
We considered the furtherance of our cooperation, in particular the
cooperation in other areas such as the participation of our troops
together with Britons in peace forces, Rados added.
We have continued to develop good understanding between Croatia and
Great Britain, British Defence Secretary Hoon said.
According to Rados, they also discussed Britain's contribution to
Croatia's efforts to establish a system of long-term defence
planning and the training of Croatian officers in Great Britain.
Rados added that Zagreb maintained that Croatia's participation in
peace operations should include its participation in European
defence forces.
"Croatia supports the strengthening of European defence forces in
the full cooperation with NATO," Minister Rados said viewing the
European forces as complementary to the North Atlantic alliance.
Hoon said his Government had recognised the fact that in a short
period Croatia had made great progress and added London would like
to help Croatia in continuing to make such efforts.
Asked by reporters why it was so important for Britain to cooperate
with Croatia, Hoon responded that it had set an excellent example
for this region.
Croatia is an excellent example for this region thanks to its
progress and thanks to the proof that efforts can be successful not
only in the field of modernisation at a national level but also by
participation in peace forces and international organisations,
Hoon answered.
After his meeting with Rados, British Defence Secretary was also
received by Croatian First Deputy Premier Goran Granic and
President Stjepan Mesic.
(hina) jn ms