Croatian President Ivo Josipovic on Wednesday opened a regular annual conference of commanders of land armies of NATO member-states, which took place in Zagreb, and on that occasion he reaffirmed Croatia's commitment to contributing to peace, security and stability.
Croatia, which joined NATO on 1 April 2009, was for the first time the host of this annual event which brought together commanders of armies of the alliance's 36 members, Partnership for Peace members, and members of the Mediterranean Dialogue and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.
Addressing the conference, Josipovic said that Croatia was very well aware what conflicts, wars and sufferings as well as the struggle for freedom meant. Therefore, the country appreciates assistance and support of international organisations such as the United Nations, NATO and the European Union in efforts to stabilise this area, he added.
That's why we are more resolute to contribute to peace, security and stability through our political, diplomatic, economic and cultural activities as well as through participation in international peace missions, the Croatian head of state said.
He spoke about the deployment of 2,700 Croatian troops in international missions and operations, notably in the mission in Afghanistan.
The Zagreb conference focused on NATO's role in the 21st century and its transformation, the NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan and Croatia's experience from integration into the alliance.
