Minister Gordan Jandroković met with Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti

In the talk with Archbishop Mamberti, Minister Jandroković expressed gratitude for the understanding and support of the Holy See, and traditionally friendly relations between the two states. They agreed that bilateral relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Holy See were developing to the satisfaction of both parties.

Minister Jandroković emphasised that the Republic of Croatia appreciated strong support of the Holy See for Croatia’s full membership of the European Union. He said that Croatia wanted to become a full-fledged member of the great European family, to which it can contribute with its cultural, spiritual and religious traditions and values. In this sense, he pointed out that Croatia would continue with the efforts to fulfil all accession criteria for becoming a full-fledged member of the EU. Archbishop Mamberti backed in all respects a speedy accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union.

Minister Jandroković also said that Croatia, as a NATO member and non-permanent member of the Security Council, was thoroughly committed to European values and democratic principles, and that it was determined to continue promoting peace and tolerance in the neighbouring regions and wider.

Minister Jandroković and Archbishop Mamberti reviewed the current situation in South East Europe. Minister Jandroković stressed that by improving good-neighbourly cooperation, Croatia wished to contribute to long-term stability and security in the region.

Minister Jandroković used his stay in the Vatican to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. On that occasion, he laid a wreath on the grave of Pope John Paul II.

During the day, Minister Jandroković met and talked with Croatian officials at the Holy See, Archbishop Msgr. Nikola Eterović, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Msgr. Petar Rajič, special Papal prelate of the Prefecture of the Papal House, and Mons. Jura Bogdan, rector of the Papal Croatian Institute of St. Jerome.