Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandrokovic and United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met 3 February 2011 and held a press conference.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandrokovic and United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met 3 February 2011 and held a press conference.
Minister Jandrokovic expressed satisfaction over meeting with Secretary of State Clinton once again.
He expressed Croatia's gratitude for the friendship and support it had enjoyed from the United States during the nearly 20 years since its gaining of independence.
During the past two decades, our relationship has evolved into one of mutual respect, understanding, and partnership, and I am pleased to say that it has never been stronger, said the minister.
Our joint efforts in Afghanistan and Southeast Europe, where we share an unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity are a testament to that ever-strengthening relationship, he added.
Pointing out that just today he had reaffirmed Croatia's commitment to the mission in Afghanistan, where Croatia has yet again increased its troop levels and is assuming a greater role in mentoring the Afghan troops, Minister Jandrokovic said that Croatia would continue to be a responsible and reliable partner in NATO and a trusted ally of the United States.
In regard to South Eastern Europe, Minister Jandrokovic told Secretary of State Clinton that was ready to share the experience gained in its Euro-Atlantic integration processes and would continue to be a proactive partner of the United States in the region.
Secretary of State Clinton and Minister Jandrokovic also discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Minister Jandrokovic pointed out that Croatia firmly supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its Euro-Atlantic perspective, reforms and constitutional changes.
He then stressed the importance Croatia placed on the equal status of Croats, as well as their participation in the new government, underlining the sensitivity of the position of Croats as the least populous of Bosnia and Herzegovina's three constitutive nations.
Discussing the joint international priorities, Minister Jandrokovic presented to Secretary of State Clinton Croatia's plans for this year. Pointing out that Croatia was working hard to conclude its accession negotiations with the EU during Hungary's presidency, he communicated Croatia's gratitude for the encouragement it had received from its American partners throughout the process, particularly now that it had entered the final stage of the negotiations.
Our efforts are also focused on strengthening Croatia's economy, said the minister, adding that we looked forward to developing a stronger economic partnership with the United States.
The minister said he was convinced that today's signing of the Open Skies Agreement would result in direct flights between Croatia and the United States and lead to increased tourism opportunities for both countries.
He also said that he expected the Regional Trade and Investment Conference Croatia would host with the US in Dubrovnik on the 15th anniversary of the death of US Trade Minister Ron Brown would further stimulate the economic cooperation.
The minister expressed hope that American investors will find numerous opportunities for investment in Croatia in areas such as tourism, energy and transport.
He expressed to Secretary Clinton Croatia's continued interest in joining the Visa Waiver Program, saying he hoped that Croatia would soon fulfil the criteria and become a member of the program.
Conclusively, Minister Jandrokovic invited Secretary Clinton to attend the Croatia Summit this year, a year he believed would be a historic one for the Republic of Croatia.
Mario Dragun
Spokesman
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