ZAGREB, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Croatia marked the tenth anniversary of NATO accession on Friday, evaluating the country as a reliable ally of a military alliance that can fulfill all its obligations.

"It is a priority to build our own defense forces and they must be the guarantor of our security," Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said in her speech at the ceremony.

The president said that the integrity, freedom and peace that Croatia has adopted with all its heart were the ideals.

"Croatia remains committed to NATO, which is confirmed by the accelerated investment in our defense capability, which guarantees the security of our country and our ability to fulfill the commitment of common defense," said Grabar-Kitarovic.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that Croatia has been a reliable ally and said he would continue with this policy because it is good for the security and contribution of stability in this area and globally.

Croatia became a full member of NATO on April 1, 2009.