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NATO chief praises Croatia's role in south-east Europe

Xinhua, July 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday lauded Croatia's military role in southeast Europe in a visit to Zagreb, NATO said in a press release.

Describing the country as "a committed Ally", Stoltenberg expressed appreciation for Croatia's participation in NATO missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan, and praised Croatia's leadership role in the region. Croatia officially became a NATO member in 2009.

At a joint press conference with Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, Stoltenberg thanked Croatia for working alongside other Allies to improve its defense capacities, including in the field of special operations, as NATO adapts to meet security challenges to the east and the south.

He welcomed the fact that Croatia's economy is picking up as good both for Croatians and for NATO, as economic growth provides the foundation to increase defense spending.

Stoltenberg and Milanovic also discussed developments in the Western Balkans region.

"NATO enlargement is a key issue and by the end of the year NATO will decide on whether to invite Montenegro to become a member of the Alliance," he said. Endit