Minister Vukelic was quoted in a press release issued by the Croatian Defence Ministry as saying that the bilateral consultations would contribute to the strengthening and enhancement of cooperation between two friendly countries to their mutual benefit.
He also expressed gratitude to the Minnesota National Guard for its assistance in the implementation of the defence reform in Croatia.
The minister highlighted the importance of the comprehensive US assistance, notably its assistance in relation with Croatia's participation in NATO-led operations as well as through programmes of training and joint exercises and through participation in humanitarian projects and donations.
He pointed out the US-Croatian Operational Mentoring Liaison Team (OMLT).
The minister thanked Washington for its "invaluable political support to Croatia's efforts to achieve one of its strategic goals", that is Croatia's NATO membership.
Croatia joined the alliance on 1 April 2009.
Vukelic reiterated that Croatia had been engaged in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan since 2003 and that it would increase its contingent by 7 percent this year.
US Ambassador Foley said his country recognised Croatia's strategic importance pertaining to the stability in the region.
The development of relations on the defence front is based on excellent political relations, said Joseph McMillan at the start of the two-day consultations.