Croatia to Host NATO Military Exercise

Zagreb, September 11 – Republic of Croatia and its armed forces, for the first time, will be hosting an annual naval NATO exercises under the code name “Cooperative Engagement 2003”. The important geopolitical position of the Adriatic Sea makes Croatia a prime candidate for the exercise that will be held in Croatian national waters from September 13, until September 20, 2003. It is scheduled that seven NATO member countries and five Partnership for Peace member countries, including Croatia, will attend the exercises.

The exercises will be led by NATO Allied Naval Forces South Command (NAVSOUTH) with the goal of increasing the operability and interaction between naval units of NATO member countries and its partner countries. The exercise will include tactical maneuvering, navigational control, vessel search and rescue, mine clearing activities, anti-aircraft and anti-ship defense.

The exercises are crucial for NATO and Partnership for Peace because they promote peace and stability through dialog and cooperation.