Croatian Foreign Minister Marija Pejcinovic-Buric attended a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels which focused on the crisis in Ukraine and the Sea of Azov, the ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Sea of Azov, Croatia expressed concern about the escalation of tensions which resulted in the injuring and capture of Ukrainian sailors and the blockade of Ukrainian ports.

Croatia called for restraint, respect for international law, and the prevention of further escalation as it supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine in its internationally recognised borders.

NATO confirmed its unity regarding its key tasks – collective defence, crisis management, and cooperation with partners. NATO’s key mechanism is strengthening security and stability in the neighbourhood.

The ministers discussed NATO’s role in the fight against terrorism. They confirmed NATO’s commitment to the long term stabilisation of Afghanistan, with Croatia saying it would continue to participate in the Resolute Support mission for regional security.

They also called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit its first Annual National Programme, which is the first step on the path to NATO membership, constituting help in reforms of the defence and security sectors, Pejcinovic-Buric said.

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