Minister Gordan Jandroković on an official visit to the Republic of Albania

During the discussion of the two Ministers it was agreed that the relations between the two countries were very good and friendly and that during the past several years they had had a rising trend. The Ministers also agreed that the two countries share common goals oriented towards Euroatlantic integration, preservation of peace and stability of the region.

Minister Jandroković used this opportunity to congratulate the Republic of Albania on their invitation for NATO membership, which he sees as a result of fulfilling necessary reforms, and he welcomed Albania’s contribution to NATO missions. Minister Jandroković also used the opportunity to point out Croatia’s readiness to harmonize the procedure of issuing visas to Albanian citizens with the Agreement on the simplified procedure of issuing visas between the European Union and the Republic of Albania.

It was agreed that economic co-operation of the two countries was also good. Goods trade balance in 2007 was around $ 40 million, which represents an increase of 13% compared to 2006. Speaking on intensifying economic co-operation, the Ministers agreed that there are still further potential for co-operation improvement in the fields of trade, investment and traffic connections. One of the fields with good potential is the road infrastructure construction and Croatian companies, which gained great experience building motorways in Croatia, are interested in these international tenders. Minister Jandroković said that the Republic of Croatia expects further strengthening of co-operation in the field of insurance, trade and food industry investments. As for traffic connections, Minister Jandroković pointed out that the Republic of Croatia is interested in good traffic connections between the two countries, particularly through introducing flights between Zagreb and Tirana. Taking into account the near upgrade of the Croatian fleet, the Croatian Minister expressed expectation in the introduction of direct flights in summer 2009. Ministers also talked about ship connections between Rijeka and Drač and other projects in the field of transport, energy industry and trade.

One of the topics was also the current status of the Southeast Europe, particularly recently held elections in Macedonia, which is, according to both Ministers, particularly important for the region’s security and stability.

During the afternoon, Minister Jandroković will meet with the Mayor of Tirana Edi Rama, and tomorrow, 3 June 2008, he will meet with Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Sali Berisha and Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli.