FM Kovač accompanies PM Orešković on visit to Berlin

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miro Kovač accompanied Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković 1 March on a one-day visit to Germany

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miro Kovač accompanied Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković 1 March on a one-day visit to Germany.

Orešković met in Berlin with Chancellor Angela Merkel and later visited the Deutsches Historisches Museum to see the “Art from the Holocaust” exhibition. Signing the guest book, Orešković wrote: “In these times of darkness, human spirit finds the light, the light which cannot be extinguished.”

In a press statement after the talks with Orešković, Merkel expressed Germany’s support for Croatia, from its gaining of independence all through its NATO and EU accession. “We wish to continue that cooperation in the future as well,” Merkel said, adding that she and Orešković discussed intensifying economic relations and to that end announcing the forming of a German-Croatian task force.

The two officials also talked about the migrant crisis and the Western Balkans route. Germany wants to re-establish the Schengen regime to whatever extent it is possible, Merkel said, adding that it was necessary to strengthen cooperation with Turkey and concertedly protect the EU external border.

At the end of her address, Merkel said that she and Orešković had had friendly and partner talks, and that she was looking forward to future cooperation with the Croatian government.

Orešković said that Croatia and Germany were partners both in the European Union and NATO, with common interests and challenges. The biggest challenge right now is the migrant crisis, during which Germany has done a lot and showed humanity, Orešković said, adding that Croatia too had recognised the suffering of those people and offered assistance to refugees. He underscored that the crisis required a joint European response.

In regard to relations with Germany, Orešković said they were traditionally good, adding that the Croatian government wished to further intensify the economic relations. He informed Merkel about his government’s reform program aimed at strengthening the economy, creating a positive investment climate and raising the standard of living. The priorities, therefore, include cutting the internal deficit and increasing the GNP. He and Merkel also discussed concrete investment projects designed to ramp up Germany’s investment in Croatia.

At the end of his address, Orešković thanked Germany for its support and cooperation, hopeful that it would continue and intensify to mutual satisfaction. 

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