Assistant Foreign Minister Neven Madey had political consultations with Lithuanian and Latvian officials in Vilnius and Riga, 3-4 June 2004
In Vilnius, 3 June 2004, Assistant Minister Madey met with State Under-Secretary at the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rytis Martikonis and Head of the Division for European Union Zygimantas Pavilionis. The consultations discussed the pending European Council’s decisions regarding Croatia’s candidacy for EU membership, as well as the bilateral relations. It was concluded that the bilateral relations between the two countries are solid, and that the economic exchange and tourist co-operation are on the rise. After the recent opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Zagreb, headed by the honorary consul, the Lithuanian officials expressed their interest in opening a residential embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Vilnius. As regards Croatia’s candidacy for EU membership, the Lithuanian officials confirmed their support to Croatia’s efforts in achieving the candidate status and setting the date for the start of the negotiations at the forthcoming European Council’s meeting in Bruxelles 17-18 June. They announced their support to Ireland’s proposal, which contains some very concrete steps.
During his visit to Riga, 4 June 2004, Neven Madey met with the State Under-Secretary for Europe at the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andris Teikmanis. It was concluded at the meeting that the bilateral relations between the two countries are good, and the need for further strengthening of trade was emphasised. It was also concluded that the tourist exchange needs an additional stimulus. The Latvian side proposed the opening of the office of the Croatian Tourist Community and expressed interest for the opening of a residential embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Riga. The Latvian side also announced its support to Croatia’s efforts in achieving the candidate status and setting the date for the start of the negotiations at the forthcoming European Council’s meeting.
Members of the delegation also discussed Croatia’s membership in NATO, whereby it was offered that the Baltic countries share their experiences in the process of approaching. High level exchange visits were also agreed upon.
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