First Montenegro–Croatia meeting on the ‘Jadran’ ship set for October 9 in Zagreb

Podgorica and Zagreb have agreed to hold the first meeting between the commissions of the two countries on the issue of the training ship “Jadran”. The meeting will take place on October 9 in Zagreb, Croatia.

The Montenegrin commission is headed by Defence Minister Dragan Krapović. According to him, after the first meeting in Zagreb, the next meeting is expected to be held in Montenegro.

Speaking to Television of Montenegro (RTCG), Krapović said Podgorica’s position has not changed: the ship belongs to Montenegro — a continuation of the position of all Montenegrin governments. Croatia, on the other hand, maintains that the home port of the “Jadran” is Split, and thus the ship belongs to Croatia.

Krapović rejected the idea of joint management of the ship, arguing that a warship or training ship can sail under only one flag. However, he added, Podgorica remains open to joint exercises.

He also dismissed other public proposals, such as the creation of a NATO centre of excellence, calling them impossible under international rules.

Croatia’s Foreign Ministry did not respond regarding its position before the start of the negotiations.