Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, MA, participated in the first meeting of the Joint Committee for the implementation of the Agreement between Macedonia and Croatia on collaboration in accessing the EU

The first meeting of the Joint Committee was a step forward in the relationship between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Macedonia, said Minister Grabar-Kitarović, an improvement in co-ordinating certain relevant ministries and in the process of accessing the EU. Croatian-Macedonian co-operation is developing very well in numerous areas, underlined the Minister. On this occasion, the two sides exchanged opinions on political developments in the region and on co-operation within regional initiatives. The conversation focused especially on the issue of regional cooperation in South East Europe, where SEECP – South East Europe Co-operation Process, currently presided by Croatia – plays the key role, stressed the Minister.

The meeting also focused on the European integration process. Experience on accessing the EU, preparation for negotiations and utilization of pre-accession aid instruments, was exchanged.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia Antonio Milošoski sent a joint letter of thanks to the foreign ministers of Mediterranean countries, the EFTA countries and Turkey, expressing gratitude for their support in including Croatia and Macedonia into the Pan- Euro-Med diagonal cumulation of origin system, in the 6th meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean work group, held in Brussels on 15 – 16 November 2006, as well as for their support in the forthcoming meetings.

The participation of Pierre Mirel, Director of Directorate General for Enlargement of the European Commission, further illustrates the importance of today’s meeting.