State Secretary for Political Affairs Hido Biščević and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic Famiano Crucianelli met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia

At the beginning, mutual satisfaction was expressed with the invitation to the Republic of Croatia to join the NATO announced at the recently concluded NATO summit, strengthening the foundations for further increase of Euro-Atlantic potential of this part of Europe, which is in the interest of both the Republic of Croatia and the Italian Republic.

On the meeting, the relationship between the Republic of Croatia and the Italian Republic was characterized as a relationship of partner countries, directed toward a shared European future and toward achieving both countries’ strategic goals. It was readily affirmed that the issue of mutually corresponding access to the real estate market was resolved to mutual benefit. The intention to resolve the remaining issues shortly was also expressed.

During the meeting, special attention in this context was given to the protection of the Adriatic Sea and seabed and it was agreed to speed up consultations on a potential conference of nt of Northern Adriatic as a strong European economic region. all states on the Adriatic basin to be held on the subject of implementation of the agreement on ecological protection of the Adriatic. It has also been agreed to start preparations together with the Republic of Slovenia for founding a multiparty Agency for Development.

On account of talks between Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, it has also been agreed to prepare a comprehensive model for reimbursement of the remaining debt of the Republic of Croatia to the Italian party on the basis of remaining obligations arising from the Osimo Agreement and the Rome Agreement in order to resolve the final open issue from the past and steer the relationship toward joint European projects in the future.