Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandroković participated on Wednesday, 13 July 2011, in the opening ceremony of the conference entitled “Croatia – 20 Years of Independence –The Potential of Croatia’s Co

The minister opened the conference, organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, and the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the Republic of Austria, with the Austrian Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger

The minister opened the conference, organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, and the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the Republic of Austria, with the Austrian Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger.

Minister Jandroković expressed special gratitude to the Austrian Diplomatic Academy for its contribution to strengthening the pillars of Croatian diplomacy, and for providing the opportunity for a considerable number of Croatian diplomats to gain additional diplomatic knowledge and experience over the years.

Addressing the past 20 years of Croatian independence, minister Jandroković highlighted that the Republic of Croatia underwent three transitions – from communism to democracy and a free market economy, from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to a independent, sovereign state, and from war to peace. He added that for the major part of the first decade of its independence Croatia focused on defending its sovereignty and territorial unity, in the second decade it direct all forces towards its strategic goals – membership in NATO and the EU, whereas the third decade will be dedicated to economic growth, raising the GDP, attracting foreign investment, further strengthening Croatia’s international position, and becoming deeper integrated in the EU and NATO.

Minister Jandroković highlighted the outstanding bilateral relations and thanked Austria and minister Spindelegger once again for his personal contribution to the conclusion of Croatian accession negotiations by the end of June this year.

In addition to excellent political cooperation and a frequent exchange of visits at the highest level, the minister said that the bilateral economic relations are intense and continuously improving. Austria is the largest foreign investor in Croatia and a partner with whom we will further strengthen economic cooperation in the future, the minister said, placing special emphasis on the fields in which Croatia sees great potential, such as energy, transport, environmental protection and tourism.

Continuing his speech, the minister said that as a new Member State Croatia will represent an added value to the EU, and as the first country of South East Europe to be integrated into the EU Internal Market and the key EU economic partner in this region, it has great potential to become one of the most dynamic economies in this part of Europe.

Through its membership in various regional associations, Croatia contributes to regional development in line with the goals of the EU's cohesion policy, minister Jandroković said. He stressed Croatia and Austria's mutual interest in the implementation of the newly adopted EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

In conclusion, the minister announced that Croatia will continue to share its experiences with the countries of South East Europe and to stand for the European future of all countries in the region. Moreover, as a new Member State Croatia will contribute to the continuous success of the EU project of peace, stability and prosperity.



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