Dr. Miomir Žužul met Franco Frattini in Rome

Bilateral relations are excellent, Frattini said. The sensitive issue regarding the property of the Italian citizens left in Croatia after WW II will be resolved in line with the existing international agreements, while the cases not covered by the agreements will continue to be discussed at an expert level within the Mixed Croatian-Italian Commission. It is agreed that the Commission will continue its work in the first week of September this year. Frattini said that this issue needed a good final solution and a joint document positive for both sides. Frattini also commended the competence of the Croatian Government and the quality of its concrete moves.

Minister Dr. Žužul pointed to Croatia’s European future, and in this context emphasised the importance of friendship, partnership and co-operation between Croatia and Italy. The candidate status and the beginning of negotiations with the EU are a giant step for Croatia and the entire region. Dr. Žužul also emphasised the need for bilateral Croatian-Italian co-operation in ecological protection of the Adriatic, especially of its ports in northern Adriatic. Frattini offered Italian experiences and assistance in the development of SMEs in Croatia.

The Italian side is satisfied with the latest developments regarding the Protected Fishing and Ecological Zone in the Adriatic. Dr. Žužul said that Croatia, as a future EU member state respected principles and standards of consultation with the EU members on all issues of mutual interest. Dr. Žužul and Frattini also discussed political and security situation in a wider region.

Minister Dr. Žužul met in Rome with Prince Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Andrew Willoughby Ninian Bertie. Dr. Žužul and the Prince Grand Master talked about excellent relations between Croatia and the Order, about the Order’s support to Croatia since her independence, and its future activities in Croatia. They also talked about the possible visit of the Prince Grand Master to Croatia.

On the previous day the Croatian delegation led by Minister Dr. Žužul visited the Papal Croatian Institute of St. Jeronimo where they met prominent Croatian priests living and working in Rome. On this occasion Minister Dr. Žužul handed to Dr. Bogdan a portrait of Marko Marulić in bronze, the work of academic sculptor Kruno Bošnjak, presented to this important Croatian church and scientific institution in Italy on behalf of the Croatian Government by Croatian Prime Minister, D. Ivo Sanader.