FM: Intensified Croatia-France cooperation result of Strategic Partnership Action Plan

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić was on a visit to Paris 22-23 May 2019, where she held a number of bilateral and multilateral meetings

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić was on a visit to Paris 22-23 May 2019, where she held a number of bilateral and multilateral meetings.

The meeting with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian focused on the year-long implementation of the 2018-2021 Strategic Partnership Action Plan. The two ministers agreed the political dialogue had been stepped up and bilateral cooperation intensified, notably in the sectors of the economy, home affairs, culture, science and education. They voiced satisfaction with cooperation in regard to Croatia’s upcoming Council of the EU presidency.

Pejčinović Burić and Le Drian also exchanged views on the topical matters of mutual interest: European Parliament elections, multiannual financial framework, Brexit and the future of Europe. They also talked about France’s support for Croatia’s priorities: entering the Schengen Area and the eurozone.

Special attention was paid to cooperation aimed at strengthening stability in Southeast Europe and the EU prospects of Southeast European countries. Talking about international and multilateral matters, the two officials focused on the future of the Council of Europe, Croatia-France cooperation in this and other international organizations, as well as Europe’s unified response to current political and security challenges.

Pejčinović Burić also held talks with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay about UNESCO’s strategic transformation and initiatives on education, artificial intelligence and biodiversity. Special attention was attached to Croatia’s cooperation with UNESCO on protecting cultural heritage.  Pejčinović Burić communicated the Croatian Government’s offer in terms of Croatian experts’ assistance in restoring endangered cultural heritage. She also asked for support to Croatia’s applications for UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.

During her stay in Paris, Pejčinović Burić also met with members of the French Senate’s European Affairs Committee, led by Jean Bizet, as well as with members of the French delegation to the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), with whom she discussed topical European matters and the EU prospects of Southeast European countries.

As part of secretary-general elections, candidates were presented before the PACE Bureau.

 

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