The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States of America Joško Paro presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the United States of America Barack Obama on Wednesday, May 2 2012.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States of America Joško Paro presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the United States of America Barack Obama on Wednesday, May 2 2012.
In reply to the remarks of the Ambassador, President Obama emphasized that the United States and Croatia share a close relationship and a friendship that is based on a mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, economic development and peace.
Croatia's transition in the early years of the 21st century is inspiring. The Croatian people should be proud of their commitment to reforms and development. This commitment was rewarded with NATO membership in 2009 and again last December with the signing of the Accession Treaty to the European Union when Croatia positioned itself to become a full member of the EU in 2013. More importantly, President Obama emphasized that the United States admires Croatia's commitment to helping clear a path for its Balkan neighbors to Euro-Atlantic integration.
The United States and Croatia are strong allies and international partners in NATO, ISAF, KFOR and U.N. peacekeeping activities. Croatia's strong contributions are essential to these global security efforts. The United States looks forward to deepening the relationship in these and other organizations and, in particular, to working together with Croatia to further the integration of its neighbors into NATO, the EU, and other institutions that share our common democratic values.
The United States and Croatia also share strong economic and people-to-people ties. This bond was recently exemplified by working together on the Brown Economic Forum, which focuses on economic development and improving the investment climate in Southeast Europe.
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