Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gordan Jandroković and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Božidar Kalmeta met with Italian Minister of Economic Development Paolo Romani

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the two countries’ excellent relations and constant highest-level dialogue, which results in the continuous strengthening of neighbourly and partnership cooperation

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the two countries’ excellent relations and constant highest-level dialogue, which results in the continuous strengthening of neighbourly and partnership cooperation. They agreed that the announced visit by President Napolitano to Croatia would also further enhance the bilateral relations.

The collocutors also said they were pleased with the bilateral economic cooperation and pointed out the fact that Italy was Croatia’s number one foreign trade partner. They discussed the possibility of increasing Italy’s investments in Croatia, given the series of investment projects that the Croatian government is planning to launch. Minister Jandroković invited Italian investors to invest in the production sector, namely small and middle-sized enterprises, as well as in the energy, tourist and infrastructure sector. The collocutors welcomed the announced holding of the 3rd Croatia-Italy Economic Forum.

Minister Jandroković familiarized Minister Romani with the current status of Croatia’s EU accession negotiations. He thanked Italy for its support during the negotiation process and stressed its importance in order for the negotiations to be concluded in June 2011 as planned. Minister Romani reiterated Italy’s full support for Croatia’s EU membership, expressing conviction that on 1 January 2013 Croatia would become the 28th EU member.

The meeting also discussed the situation regarding the jamming of the Croatian digital TV programs by the Italian broadcasters. It was pointed out that the Italian operators should adhere to the frequency plan and international agreements. Minister Jandroković said he was aware of the steps taken to that end by the Ministry of Economic Development, but that they had not resulted in a permanent solution to the problem.

Minister Kalmeta pointed out that the issue needed to be resolved, emphasizing the importance of each country’s sticking to the frequencies assigned through international agreements.

Minister Romani presented the measures taken by the Italian side and promised to solve the largest part of the problem by the beginning of the summer.

Both sides agreed to form a working group that would monitor the implementation and seek lasting solutions to prevent any interference with the digital signal.

Press releases