Minister Gordan Jandroković on working visit to France, met with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Bernard Kouchner, Foreign Affairs Advisor to President Sarkozy Jean-David Levitte

During the meeting between Minister Jandroković and Minister Kouchner, both sides expressed satisfaction with the quality of bilateral relations and their continuous enhancement in both political and economic sense. Minister Jandroković reported about Croatia’s efforts in speeding up the accession negotiations with the EU, thanking the French side for its support and expressing expectations for further progress during the forthcoming French EU presidency.

Minister Kouchner reiterated France’s strong support for Croatia’s membership in the EU, announcing the future French presidency’s active engagement in that regard. Minister Kouchner also confirmed France’s firm support for inviting Croatia to join NATO at the April’s NATO Summit in Bucharest.

Opinions were exchanged on the situation in the region, pointing out the importance of maintaining the stability in the region, as well as its obvious European perspective.

Furthermore, in light of the intensive political contacts, Minister Jandroković announced a soon visit by Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader to the French Republic.

Minister Jandroković is to meet tomorrow with chairmen of the European Affairs Committees at the National Assembly and Senate Pierre Lequiller and Hubert Haenel.