Kugu underlined the contribution Croatian troops had made to ISAF, commending their openness towards the local population in an effort to help keep the peace and security in Afghanistan.
Attending the ceremony were members of the 20th Croatian contingent and senior guests from France, Portugal, Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany and the United States.
Prominent members of the 20th contingent were awarded for representing Croatia in a dignified manner within the mission.
The first Croatian contingent comprised 50 troops, mostly military police, whereas the 20th contingent has 291 troops. To date, 3,872 Croatian troops have taken part in ISAF.
By participating in the mission, Croatia actively contributes to international efforts to step up security, establish stability and rebuild Afghanistan. Croatia's engagement evolved as the mission developed and as it joined NATO, resulting in ever more complex tasks, notably protection, training and mentoring of Afghan security forces.