Minister Grabar-Kitarović participated at regional conference “Prospects for the Cooperation of Municipalities on the Tri-border Region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Croatia“ in Neum

In her address Minister Grabar-Kitarović confirmed the dedication of the Republic of Croatia towards the concept of cross-border cooperation and its realization. “Experience has shown that regional and particularly cross-border cooperation creates a frame for the normalization of relations between neighbouring countries and normalization of relations induces further cooperation, to the welfare of local communities on both sides of the border,“ said Minister Grabar-Kitarović

The platform of cross-border cooperation, added Minister Grabar-Kitarović, which was started by non-governmental organizations and international institutions in the tri-border area, is today a constituent part of the policy of good neigbours and friendship between our three countries. In her address Minister Grabar-Kitarović stressed the connections within the cooperation in joint usage of EU funds which are available to candidate countries and potential candidate countries as part of the new Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), whose second out of five components is connected with Cross-Border Control (CBC).

The Conference reflects a need for a more efficient cooperation between the countries in the region in the field of joint actions in the case of natural disasters, traffic, border crossings, tourism, water supply system, and other things, and it is an expression of a growing regional cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro.

The Conference gave, from the ministerial level, by signing a joint statement, an incentive for the cities and municipalities in the tri-border area between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Montenegro and the Republic of Croatia to establish full cooperation on issues that will improve the quality of living of their citizens, by solving common issues necessary for full and normal communication in the region and between its cities.