Croatia supports SE European countries' NATO membership bids, says Sabor Speaker Leko

Zagreb - Croatia supports all Southeast European countries in their efforts to join NATO, Parliament Speaker Josip Leko said at a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Zagreb on Thursday.

"That is in Croatia's interest, in particular when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina," Leko said. "Croatia is ready to provide them with all the necessary assistance," he added.

Stoltenberg said that Croatia is a credible member of the alliance which participates not just in common defence but also in peace missions, such as those in Afghanistan and Kosovo, according to a Parliament press release.

Stoltenberg briefly outlined the status of the Southeast European countries in the NATO integration process, expressing his prediction that Montenegro would be invited to join the alliance at its next summit in December.

The NATO secretary-general earlier met with Prime Minister Zoran Milanović, and in the afternoon he travels to Dubrovnik to attend the Croatia Forum. (Hina)

Autor: Hina/Press Office