The Croatian Ministry of Defence delegation visited the Swedish Armed Forces on 15-17 November 2010. During this working visit, the Croatian delegation held consultations with the representatives of the Swedish Armed Forces on the final arrangements concerning the Croatian contribution to the Nordic Battle Group (NBG) for the stand-by period of the NBG during the first semester of 2011.
These consultations were held as a follow-up to the signed Letter of Intent on Co-Operation concerning the Nordic Battle Group 2011 between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia and the Swedish Armed Forces.
– Dedication and commitment are keys to success in a project like this. Governmental decisions were required from both sides and a number of bilateral agreements were to signed, says Amela Rudebark, Swedish Armed Forces International Department.
Croatia will contribute to the Nordic BG with two helicopters, including pilots, technical support and MEDEVAC personnel and equipment in the framework of Expeditionary Air Wing. During their visit to Sweden, the Croatian delegation also met with the Croatian military personnel who participated in the preparatory two-week international military exercise for the Nordic Battle Group “Joint Action”.
– This cooperation is also completely in line with the ambition of the EU when it comes to supporting the integration of the EU:s candidate countries, says Amela Rudebark.
Head of Croatian delegation Mr Zoran Drca, Head of NATO delegation at Croatian Ministry of Defence is positive:
– As a future member of the EU we are especially glad that our common intention is heading in the right direction. Successful consultations during our visit to the Swedish Armed Forces and the participation of our helicopters and military personnel in a preparatory two-week international military exercise for the Nordic Battle Group “Joint Action” are tangible proofs of excellent cooperation and sincere determination to jointly contribute to CSDP crisis management capabilities.