(ANSA) - ZAGREB, MARCH 6 - "Croatia's role in Afghanistan has almost come to an end, and probably the last military contingent is going to that country today," as part of the international Resolute Support mission, said the new Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, at the ceremony held for 100 Croatian soldiers leaving to reach the central Asian country.

Croatia has been active in Afghanistan since 2003, first in the ISAF with a contingent of between 250 and 400 soldiers, and since 2015 as part of the Resolute Support mission, playing the role of instructor and consultant, with about 100 soldiers taking turns every six months. Croatian participation in the ISAF was also important for the Balkan country to facilitate its entry into Nato, which began in 2009.

During the election campaign, Milanovic had underlined his intention to propose the withdrawal of the Croatian contingent, a decision that in the coming months will almost certainly be confirmed by the government in Zagreb.

The recent agreement between Washington and the Taliban accelerated Zagreb's decision, and Milanovic today criticized President Donald Trump's administration for how it reached this agreement.

"In light of the agreement between the US and the Taliban it is obvious that our commitment in Afghanistan is over, especially if we take into account that the American side has signed this agreement unilaterally, the government of Kabul has not taken part in it, and we, although allies, have not even been informed of the ongoing negotiations," said the Croatian president.

(ANSA)