Plenković: Stronger army shows we predicted new security situation

The strengthening of the military and the police shows that the Croatian government predicted the global security situation, which includes threats to Europe and Croatia's neighbours, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković told the press at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"The purchase of Rafale multipurpose fighter jets is a concrete manifestation of how Croatia, considering its size, is strengthening its defence capabilities," he said.

"Further investing in the Croatian ground force, further investing in the Croatian Navy, further strengthening Croatian soldiers' material rights, all that along with strengthening the role of the Croatian police force, which is very important in curbing illegal migration, shows very clearly that we predicted more than well global developments, what the threats to Europe are and what the threats to our neighbours in Southeast Europe are," Plenković said.

"That's why Croatia must have a very well-organised army and police and the whole security system in the years before us, where the global security situation is considerably changed in relation to ten or 15 years ago," he added.

Asked about the West's further support to Ukraine, Plenković said it was "key".

Ukraine's success depends on the motivation of its people, soldiers and leadership to fight against the aggression, on the West's unity in providing military and financial support, and on maintaining internal stability in the West, he added.

Later today, he will attend a meeting on the Western Balkans. He reiterated that "Bosnia and Herzegovina is the number one priority" for Croatia, hoping that a decision on opening EU entry talks with BiH will be made in March.

"I think Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves it. Croatia is the biggest advocate and friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina in European institutions."

Text: Hina

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