Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic visited the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) during his visit to Portugal on Thursday, saying that Croatia, being a maritime country and a member of the European Union, was doing everything to keep the Adriatic Sea safe and clean, the Defence Ministry said in a press release.

During his visit to the agency, which has its headquarters in Lisbon, Krsticevic met with EMSA Executive Director Maja Markovcic Kostelec and visited the agency’s Operations Centre.

“It is necessary that Croatia, as a maritime country and a member of the European union, continues a responsible approach to maritime safety. We are doing everything to keep the Adriatic clean and are working responsibly on preventing pollution. Maritime safety is the shared obligation of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, the Croatian Navy and the Coast Guard,” Krsticevic said.

Krsticevic congratulated Markovcic Kostelec on her appointment, saying that it was a great recognition for the Croatian government. They discussed ways of intensifying the cooperation between the EU agency and Croatian institutions.

EMSA is responsible for providing technical and scientific assistance in the application of EU regulations in the area of maritime safety and the prevention of pollution caused by maritime transport.

EMSA operates 16 vessels, drones and appropriate equipment to deal with potential pollution at sea.