WASHINGTON -- During their meeting at the Pentagon yesterday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis thanked the Republic of Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Damir Krstičević for his country’s contributions to NATO operations, Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White said in a statement.
Croatia joined NATO in 2009.
Support to Resolute Support Mission
Mattis also applauded Croatia's long-standing support to NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, White said.
White said Mattis emphasized the United States' steadfast commitment to the NATO alliance and welcomed Croatia's decision to increase its defense spending to meet the two percent goal set at the Wales Summit and to meet its NATO capability targets.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance and security in Southeast Europe, White said.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis greets Croatian Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic before an honor cordon at the Pentagon, July 12, 2017. DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith