Today, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Spencer Boyer led the U.S. delegation in consultations with Croatia’s Ministry of Defense on advancing security cooperation, strengthening NATO interoperability, and further incorporating U.S. weapons systems in the Croatian Armed Forces. Both countries affirmed the centrality of defense and security in the U.S.-Croatia relationship and further outlined avenues to deepen the partnership. The last round of this formal U.S.-Croatia defense dialogue was held in December of 2020.
“The NATO Alliance and Euro-Atlantic coordination are essential to security in Europe and ensuring our shared goals globally,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Boyer. “Croatia has developed over the years into a key partner for the United States in delivering regional stability across Southeast Europe, and today’s consultations with our close ally, Croatia, addressed how we will continue developing joint capabilities in support of collective defense and strong Transatlantic coordination, including support for Ukraine,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Boyer. “Russia could end its war today. Until Russia does, the United States and our Allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes,” he added.
“Defense cooperation between the United States and Croatia remains the cornerstone of our relationship,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mark Fleming. “U.S. military assistance to Croatia has reached nearly a billion dollars in the form of training, equipment, infrastructure construction, and specialized military education, including $140 million in support just this year for the Croatian Armed Forces” he said. “These pivotal resources are a joint investment in the strength of Croatia’s Armed Forces and our collective security,” said Chargé d’Affaires Fleming. “Our goal is a capable Croatian military that meets both domestic and NATO security objectives, and we have concluded productive conversations with our Croatian partners today that strengthen an already robust relationship.” he added.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Boyer’s engagements in Croatia this week included coordination meetings with the Office of the President of the Republic, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Defense.