Statement by H.E. Mr. Gordan Jandrokovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia, at the Alliance of Civilization Group of Friends Ministerial Meeting.
Mr. High Representative, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
First let me thank Mr. Sampaio for his initiative to convene the Alliance of Civilizations Group of Friends Meeting.
Following its two Forums the Alliance of Civilizations has created a visible framework with a number of initiatives aiming to foster intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Great challenges stand before all of us. Today, we are facing the uncertainties of economic and financial nature which our global society hasn't met for a long time.
In such challenging times greater responsibilities of political leaders come to the foreground. For this, it is necessary to strengthen the multilateral framework to properly address some of the vital problems which affect the modern society.
Let me say that we are very satisfied with the progress that the Alliance of Civilizations has made in the recent period.
Our appreciation goes also to the High Representative Mr. Sampaio for his continued efforts towards the realization of the goals of the Alliance.
We also take this opportunity to give our full support to the draft resolution devoted to the Alliance of Civilizations which will be presented during the current session of the General Assembly.
We believe that the aim of the Alliance can be fully realized through regional initiatives. In this respect we welcome the conference to be held in Sarajevo by the end of this year. It is the first of this kind under the auspices of AoC.
Education and Youth, the main topics of the conference, can establish another channel of communication for the countries of South-East Europe. It is a valuable asset for our future and I wish to underline that Croatia was one of the initiators of this regional conference.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Croatia became a member of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations more than a year ago. Meanwhile, we have started with the preparation of the National Program for the Alliance of Civilizations. It is now in the final stage.
Mr. High Representative, I would like to assure you that Croatia will continue to support the objectives of the Alliance on global, regional and national level keeping in mind the importance of cultural diversity, dialogue and cooperation as foundations for peace, human solidarity and social justice.
Thank you.
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