Stoltenberg held talks with Defence Minister Ante Kotromanovic, who was quoted as saying that his country was complying with the conclusions of NATO's summit held in Wales last year.
In that regard, Croatia has decided to halt a decline in the defence budget. We are implementing this decision and we intend to ensure an increase in defence outlays in parallel with GDP growth, Kotromanovic said.
The minister added that Croatia would maintain and develop the capacities of the Croatian air force, navy and ground forces.
Stoltenberg also praised headway made by southeastern European NATO aspirants, notably Montenegro.
The two officials also discussed the security situation at NATO's borders.
During his stay in Zagreb, Stoltenberg was received by Parliament Speaker Josip Leko and Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, and he is due to meet President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic at the Croatia Forum in Dubrovnik.