Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gordan Jandroković received Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, who was on official visit to Croatia

The ministers confirmed the two countries’ excellent relations, unburdened by outstanding issues

The ministers confirmed the two countries’ excellent relations, unburdened by outstanding issues. The bilateral relations are also characterized by frequent exchange visits and high-level political dialogue, with both sides expressing interest in their further advancement in all areas of mutual interest.

Minister Jandroković thanked Finland for its strong and continuous support for Croatia along its road to full-fledged EU membership, as well as during the closing of the accession negotiations. He said Croatia appreciated Finland’s technical assistance, realized through the 14 twinning projects, which have facilitated the strengthening of Croatia’s administration and made possible the satisfaction of criteria for joining the EU.

He informed his Finnish counterpart about the information campaign on the effects of Croatia’s pending EU membership, pointing out that the public support for Croatia’s joining the EU was steady. He expressed satisfaction with this year’s European Commission’s Croatia Progress Report, as well as the latest positive opinions about Croatia’s membership request, adding that the current priority was the signing of the Accession Treaty, expected in December this year. In that regard, he said he believed the EU members would ratify the Treaty in a timely fashion, allowing Croatia to join the EU on 1 July 2013 as its 28th member.

The ministers also discussed the situation in South Eastern Europe and expressed support for further enlargement of the EU onto all of the region’s countries, aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the area. Also discussed was the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, with ministers expressing hope for the attainment of peace, stability, rule of law, democracy and economic prosperity for the people in the region.

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