The dreams which the Croatian people had for centuries about independence and freedom came true and the sovereign armed forces were set up, able to respond to new security challenges, Kosor said, adding that this resulted in Croatia's admission to NATO.
The professionalism and a high level of the Croatian Armed Forces' capability is today recognised in international peace missions and operations, she added.
The central ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of Croatia's Armed Forces and its ground troops will be held on Saturday at the Zagreb soccer club's stadium in tribute to the very first line-up of the Croatian National Guard (ZNG) and special units of the Croatian Interior Ministry at that stadium in Kranjceviceva Street 20 years ago.
On Friday and Saturday, weapons of the Croatian army and police and the collection of the military and police museums will be put on display at Jarun Park in Zagreb.
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, Ivo Josipovic, issued a message on Friday marking Armed Forces Day and Ground Forces Day, which are observed on May 28.
On this occasion, Josipovic promoted 136 servicemen and servicewomen on the recommendation of the Armed Forces Chief of Staff and the Ministry of Defence, according to a statement from the President's Office.