US reaffirms commitment to regional stability at Adriatic Charter meeting

The United States is committed to preserving regional stability and shared security, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich said at a meeting of the Adriatic Charter countries in Petrčani near Zadar.

The conference of the Chiefs of Staff of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) member states was chaired by Grynkewich and Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid. Discussions focused on improving interoperability, advancing defense cooperation, strengthening joint capabilities, and building resilience to military threats and humanitarian crises.

The conference, titled "Strengthening Regional Cooperation," was attended by the Chiefs of Staff of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Kosovo and Slovenia participated as observer states, while NATO was represented by Lt. Gen. Peter K. Scott, Deputy Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

"We also discussed military mobility, which is strategically important for building shared infrastructure for both military and civilian use. It would allow military resources to be moved without impediment, as needed, in the event of a conflict or crisis, strengthening defense and deterrence," Kundid said.

"We operate in an evolving security landscape characterized by rapid technological disruption and the expansion of hybrid warfare targeting our infrastructure and social institutions. Countering these threats requires sustained readiness, layered resilience, and unbreakable unity," Grynkewich said.

The Chiefs of Staff of the A5 countries, along with the U.S. European Command and U.S. Forces Europe commanders, signed a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration and cooperation, regional stability and shared security.

The meeting was also attended by Croatian President Zoran Milanović. His office said he supports military cooperation that contributes to friendship, peace and stability in Croatia's immediate and wider neighborhood.