President Milanović Attended Christmas Reception at the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia

The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended the traditional Christmas reception at the Ministry of Defense. The event was hosted by Ivan Anušić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia. The reception was attended by numerous officials and employees of the Ministry of Defense, members of the Croatian Army, as well as the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Admiral Robert Hranj, and his associates.

President Milanović stated that the Ministry of Defense and the Croatian Army have his support for the projects aimed at equipping and modernizing the Croatian Armed Forces. In particular, the President emphasized the significance of the project involving the construction of coastal patrol vessels, along with other initiatives of strategic importance to the Croatian Armed Forces. “The past year was challenging, but our common interest remains our Homeland – the Homeland to which we are and will remain faithful. In that spirit, I extend my wishes for health, happiness, and success to you and your families,” said President Milanović.

Minister Anušić underscored that this year has been remarkably productive for the Croatian Armed Forces, marked by significant advancements in equipping and modernizing their capabilities. He remarked, “Projects such as equipping the Croatian Air Force with Rafale fighter aircraft that will arrive next year, the acquisition of powerful Black Hawk helicopters and Bradley armoured fighting vehicles for the Croatian Army, along with numerous other initiatives, demonstrate that we are headed in the right direction, and we will continue on this path in the coming year.” Minister Anušić concluded by extending wishes for a joyful and blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2024 to everyone present. President Milanović was accompanied at the event by the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense Ivica Olujić, Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković, Head of the Military Office in the Cabinet for Defense and National Security of the Office of the President Colonel Ivica Kranjčević, and Aide-de-Camp to the President of the Republic Colonel Vlado Čulina.

PHOTO: Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Klen