On 30 January 2012, Croatia joined Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) in Szczecin, Poland, and became its twelfth member state. Signing the note of accession and a flag raising ceremony were held in Baltic Barracks in Szczecin.
A note of accession was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Tihomir Zebec, the Chief Military Police Department of the Croatian General Staff. Along with the Croatian flag run up the pole, Croatia became the twelfth member state of the Multinational Corps Northeast and opened a common chapter in relations between Croatia and Multinational Corps Northeast.
The Commander of the Multinational Corps Northeast Lieutenant General Rainer Korff, on behalf of the whole staff, welcomed new members of the Corps. “I hope that our collaboration will be fruitful for both sides,” said General Korff. “The signing of the Note of Accession underscores Croatia’s efforts to foster its relations with NATO. I would also like to emphasize the importance of the Croatian contribution to the development of the NATO Multinational Military Police Battalion, which will be affiliated to the Corps after passing Full Operational Capability,” added General Korff. “We will give maximum power to our work contributed to the development and progress of Multinational Corps Northeast,” reassured Lieutenant Colonel Tihomir Zebec, expressing pride and content with the Croatian integration into Multinational Corps Northeast.
The ongoing manning conference will establish how many Croatian soldiers will serve at HQ MNC NE. Along with the increase of posts of the Headquarters peacetime structure, all member states of the Corps – Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States – will decide upon manning the respective posts.
Multinational character of the Corps has always been a top priority. Perceived as a source of invaluable experiences and an excellent opportunity to strengthen mutual trust and partnership, it is something ordinary and fully accepted by all HQ members. Therefore, it is no wonder that they are already looking forward to welcoming their new colleagues to the MNC NE family; the family of twelve nations: Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States.
Photos by: Marian Cihon, SVK CIV
Video by: SGT Maksymilian Halec, POL A
