Defence Minister Mario Banozic said on Sunday that the defence cooperation between Croatia and the United States has been going on for many years and that Croatia very much appreciates the support and donations from the US government for the development of Croatia's defence capabilities.

Banozic and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Admiral Robert Hranj, were attending a formal reception onboard the command ship of the US Sixth Fleet, USS Mount Whitney, which had arrived in Split on Friday for a visit.

Banozic said that the ship’s visit was of exceptional strategic importance for Croatia, noting that the United States was Croatia’s most important strategic ally in defence.

“The defence cooperation between Croatia and the United States has been going on for many years, and Croatia is very grateful for the support and donations from the US government for the development of our defence capabilities. Joint training and participation in exercises and operations strengthen our operational readiness and interoperability,” the defence minister said.

“The Croatian military is fully committed to strengthening stability and security and further promoting our defence cooperation,” he added.

Banozic was presented with a plaque by Vice Admiral Gene Black, Commander of the Sixth Fleet.