by croatiaweek
September 5, 2025
in
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
ZAGREB – Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić met with his Slovenian counterpart, Borut Sajovic, on 5 September 2025 at the Croatian Ministry of Defence in Zagreb.
During the meeting, the two ministers signed a joint Declaration of Cooperation aimed at enhancing military-technical collaboration and defence industry cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The discussions highlighted the excellent bilateral defence relations and explored opportunities for further cooperation across multiple areas.
Minister Anušić expressed his satisfaction with Sajovic’s visit, noting that the signing of the joint declaration marks a new chapter in the bilateral defence relationship.
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
He said: “Today we signed a joint Declaration between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia and our two ministries, which encompasses military-technical cooperation. The goal is to improve the collaboration of our defence industries to operate more efficiently and effectively.”
On the topic of armed forces cooperation, Anušić underlined that Croatian and Slovenian forces already maintain strong ties, and this new declaration will further strengthen their partnership.
Slovenian Minister Sajovic welcomed the official visit, emphasising the historic and friendly ties between the two nations.
He added: “Our cooperation in the field of defence will be even better, particularly in the defence industry. We have great potential for joint development, and we continue to cooperate within NATO and the European Union.”
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
The meeting also discussed the current global security and political situation in Southeast Europe and the war in Ukraine.
Continuing with the security situation in Southeast Europe, the ministers agreed that stability in this area is a common interest.
Ministers Anušić and Sajović also confirmed their strong support for Ukraine, which is a country under attack. In this context, Minister Anušić said that the Republic of Croatia will continue to assist Ukraine as it has done so far, in the form of providing financial assistance and assistance in equipment and weapons.
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
Minister Anušić also reiterated Croatia’s position that the Croatian Army will not go to Ukraine, emphasizing: “The Croatian Army will not go to Ukraine, we neither want nor plan to send Croatian soldiers to Ukraine, but Croatia will continue to assist Ukraine as it has done so far.”
Croatia and Slovenia maintain a robust bilateral defence partnership across nearly all functional areas.
(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)
The two countries also collaborate extensively on multilateral initiatives within NATO, the EU, and various regional projects.