JOINT STATEMENT

OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS

U.S.-CROATIA BILATERAL DEFENSE CONSULTATIONS

Washington, D.C., July 22-23, 2004

Recognizing a common interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting regional peace, security and stability, the United States Department of Defense and the Croatian Ministry of Defense held the second annual Bilateral Defense Consultations (BDC) in Washington, D.C. on July 22-23, 2004.

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Croatian Ministry of Defense, the proceedings were Co-Chaired by Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy, James MacDougall, and Minister of Defense Berislav Roncevic.  The goals of these consultations were to exchange information and expand areas for cooperation between the respective defense establishments.

The Co-Chairs welcomed progress in joint projects since the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to Croatia in February 2004.  The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Airspace and Training Range use will allow greater opportunities in joint training.  Additionally, the U.S. intends to prepare an updated joint Defense Assessment of the Croatian Armed Forces.  This assessment will serve as a blueprint for the Department of Defense to support the Republic of Croatia defense reform efforts.

The U.S. Co-Chair expressed appreciation for Croatia’s contributions to the Global War on Terrorism, including the deployment of a platoon of Military Police to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force mission, and the planned deployment of a joint medical team to Afghanistan, pursuant to the Adriatic Charter.

As a result of the Bilateral Defense Consultations, the Co-Chairs agreed to focus efforts in the following three areas during the year ahead to support Croatia’s aspiration for NATO membership: first, developing capabilities to enhance Croatia’s interoperability with NATO by pursuing defense reforms and modernization programs for the Croatian Armed Forces; second, resolving remaining issues regarding appropriate legal arrangements to heighten cooperative efforts between the two countries; and, third, pursuing joint activities leading to cooperation in the area of border security and maritime interdiction operations.

The Co-Chairs reaffirmed the importance of strengthening relations and cooperation, as well as promoting security and stability in the region.  The Department of Defense of the United States and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia plan to develop further initiatives to meet common security challenges, more effectively, Both sides agreed to hold bilateral defense consultations again next year to be hosted by Croatia.