Croatia is a highly regarded and committed ally that makes a considerable contribution to NATO with its participation in various operations and missions, the alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.

Croatia contributes to various NATO missions and operations – in Iraq, by helping in the fight against international terrorism; in Kosovo, by helping to stabilise that part of the Western Balkans, as well as in the Baltics and in maritime operations, Stoltenberg told the press before meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Brussels.

“The diversity of your contributions shows Croatia’s commitment to NATO’s agenda,” Stoltenberg was quoted as saying. He also welcomed Croatia’s increased defence spending towards the 2% of GDP goal, according to the information available on NATO’s website.

Plenkovic, who began his 24-hour visit to Brussels by meeting with Stoltenberg, said that Croatia was proud of its involvement in various alliance missions and operations, announcing that the country would increase its presence in Kosovo in the coming weeks.

“I think we have proved to be a reliable and firm ally and partner in all political and military activities of the alliance,” the prime minister said.

Plenkovic and Stoltenberg discussed a wide range of topics, including the NATO 2030 strategy, which aims to make the alliance more relevant in view of global changes, which Croatia is ready to contribute to, and strengthening the transatlantic partnership now that the new administration in Washington wants the same.

“Croatia will make an adequate contribution to our partnership and our alliance,” Plenkovic said.

The Croatian prime minister is scheduled to have a series of meetings with EU officials on Thursday and Friday, including with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.