Upon the invitation of Director of RACVIAC, H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, H.E. Nathalie Rayes, Ambassador of USA to the Republic of Croatia, paid a visit to RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation on 25 November 2024.
The US Ambassador was warmly welcomed on RACVIAC premises in Rakitje and got introduced to the Centre’s operations and staff. During the visit H.E. Ambassador Nathalie Rayes had a tête-à-tête meeting with Ambassador Grigorie, during which the Director briefed her on RACVIAC history and ongoing efforts for promoting security and stability in the region. Additionally, Programme 2024 and plans for 2025 were presented to Ambassador Rayes as well as new efforts to advance regional stability and mutual trust.
The USA has an observer status in RACVIAC. Over the years, the USA has proven to be one of the largest financial contributors to RACVIAC – the Centre for Security Cooperation and its exceptional partner.
Defence Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA’s) contributions to CSE Pillar’s and CTST Pillar’s activities are highly appreciated. Previously, cooperation was further strengthened and significantly enhanced with some other US entities such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The activity “International Joint Bioterrorism Investigations Course”, organized in cooperation with International Counter-proliferation Program, US DTRA, is also a part of RACVIAC Programme 2025 (CTST Pillar).
During the Meeting Director of RACVIAC mentioned the invaluable support provided by the United States in the framework of the C-WMD Network that has been crucial in facilitating the development of national counter-proliferation strategies and managing response plans. The essential contributions from US-EUCOM, US DTRA, the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), and the Republic of Croatia in supporting C-WMD Network’s objectives, were highlighted. RACVIAC also highly appreciates the support of the International Nuclear Security Program of the US Department of Energy aimed at establishing a common understanding and raising awareness among RACVIAC Members regarding nuclear security and developing methodologies to address nuclear security threats and risks.
Ambassador Grigorie emphasized that RACVIAC is interested in the continuation of the joint efforts in the years to come, in particular regarding the RACVIAC/DTRA Regional WMD Counterproliferation Training Initiative, aimed at enhancing the ability of RACVIAC Members to effectively mitigate threats posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, advanced delivery systems, and other enabling technologies while fostering greater regional cooperation in this field. For this purpose specifically, Ambassador Grigorie pointed out, RACVIAC, the Government of Romania, and US DTRA, will jointly organize the Inaugural C-WMD Capability Enhancement Workshop in Bucharest on 4 – 6 February 2025, which is expected to bring together middle to senior-level law enforcement, security, defense, and counterproliferation officials assigned to agencies responsible for countering the illegal proliferation of WMDs, dual-use items, and the associated precursors, such as the Border/Frontier Guard/Police, Customs, Fire/Rescue & Emergency Service(s), Security Police Non-and Counterproliferation Units, Radiation Safety Centers, National and State Police, Immigration, Public Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Development and other agencies.
H.E. Ambassador Rayes expressed gratitude for the presentation of upcoming RACVIAC activities and showed her willingness to put efforts into increasing American participation in them. Ambassador Rayes especially praised the significance of the C-WMD Network, highlighting its distinctiveness in bringing together parties committed to transparent collaboration on various C-WMD-related issues.
H.E. Ambassador Rayes and H.E. Ambassador Grigorie both agreed to continue the dialogue with the purpose of increasing American involvement in RACVIAC to share the common goals of security and cooperation in SEE.
