On September 11, 2024, Director of RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie accompanied by Rear Admiral Predrag Stipanović, Deputy Director of RACVIAC, met with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Ivan Anušić. This meeting underscored the vital role Croatia has played in the establishment and continued success of RACVIAC, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between RACVIAC and Croatia.
During the meeting Ambassador Grigorie expressed profound gratitude to Croatia for its instrumental role in founding RACVIAC in 2000, alongside Germany. He emphasized the enduring support and contributions of Croatia as both a founding member and host nation, focusing on its substantial contributions in terms of personnel, financial support and consistent and active involvement in RACVIAC activities.
Minister of Defense was briefed on RACVIAC main Programme of Activities in 2024 and plans for enhancing cooperation with RACVIAC respectable partners during the upcoming period. Ambassador Grigorie used this opportunity to inform Minister Anušić that RACVIAC is planning to organize a “Conference on Resilience and Protection of Critical Infrastructure” in spring 2025, in cooperation with the Euro – Atlantic Resilience Center from Romania, the University of Zagreb, and the US Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF Global), the second RACVIAC flagship event in 2025 besides the “Conference on Security Challenges for Europe” which RACVIAC traditionally organizes with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.
Additionally, Ambassador Grigorie updated Minister Anušić on his efforts to raise RACVIAC visibility in order to garner increased support and to enlarge the number of the members of the RACVIAC family, as well as the Centre’s personnel, taking into account the growing number of RACVIAC activities and projects.
In addition, he said, RACVIAC is investing a lot of efforts into strengthening partnerships with academic institutions in the region.
The Director also emphasized the essential contributions of Croatia in supporting the C-WMD (Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction) Network’s objectives and fostering regional cooperation.
The importance of continued collaboration, i.e. ongoing cooperation between RACVIAC and Croatia, as a testament to their mutual dedication to enhancing peace and security in South East Europe was reinforced, with both the Director and the Minister expressing a shared commitment to regional stability and security.
The meeting was concluded with a reiteration of gratitude to Croatia for its strong support and hospitality as the host nation of RACVIAC.
H.E. Ivan Anušić expressed gratitude for the visit and praised RACVIAC’s activities, emphasizing its pivotal role in fostering dialogue and cooperation within the region. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia’s steadfast commitment to RACVIAC’s strategic goals, ensuring continued unwavering political and logistical support, including infrastructure and staffing. Furthermore, he expressed eagerness to enhance the Croatian MOD’s engagement in RACVIAC operations.
Both the Director and the Minister expressed optimism in the continuation of this successful partnership and the deepening of cooperation in the future, both at the national level and within RACVIAC regional and international initiatives.
