Defence Minister Anušić wraps up Norway visit, highlights military cooperation

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić has concluded a two-day official visit to Norway, emphasizing the importance of sharing military expertise and protecting critical infrastructure.

During his visit to Oslo, Anušić met with his Norwegian counterpart, Tore Sandvik, and the Croatian delegation also toured the Norwegian Defence Industry Research Centre in Horten.

“Of course, they were interested in our examples and ways of functioning,” Anušić said. “Exchanging experiences is important, and Norway has exceptionally developed protection of its critical infrastructure and maritime territory. We can learn a lot from their technology, operational systems, and how this protection is implemented.”

Anušić added that Croatia can also study Norway’s approach to basic military training, which is mandatory for both men and women, and adapt some practices at home.

Clarifying Controversial Presidential Remarks in Norway

Anušić’s visit comes in the wake of a statement by Croatian President Zoran Milanović that drew attention in Norway. A few days ago, Milanović—apparently ironically—suggested that Donald Trump should occupy Svalbard, a Norwegian-controlled archipelago, instead of Greenland.

The remarks were first noted by a Greenlandic politician and later picked up by a widely circulated Norwegian tabloid. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Greenland and Svalbard are not comparable, highlighting Svalbard’s strategic importance to Norway.

A respected Norwegian daily published a detailed analysis, concluding that Milanović’s comment was misguided, noting that both Greenland and Svalbard are key to European and Norwegian security, especially given current threats from Russia.

“The president’s remarks attracted significant attention in the media, public, and political circles here in Norway,” Anušić said. “I made it clear that this was not the position of the Croatian government, and our Norwegian counterparts were grateful for the clarification.”