Minister Gordan Jandroković on working visit to the Netherlands

Minister Jandroković and Minister Verhagen expressed satisfaction with the quality of the bilateral relations. Both agreed that the political relations are very good, devoid of outstanding issues and constantly on the rise. Technical co-operation is exceptionally good, and as regards economy, it was pointed out that the Netherlands are among the leading investors in Croatia and that trade is on a constant upswing.

Minister Jandroković informed his collocutor about the activities Croatia is undertaking to speed up the EU negotiations process. He presented internal goals and deadlines, pointing out that Croatia is aware of this year’s significance in that regard. He emphasized Croatia’s orientation towards reforming the justice and public administration, enhancing the battle against corruption, strengthening the public procurement system, and conducting important economic reforms. He thanked for the Dutch support and assistance, realised through various programs, as well as for the support in the evaluation of Croatia’s achievements in NATO accession.

Minister Verhagen expressed the Netherlands’ support for the EU enlargement, stressing that Croatia should continue with the quality negotiations and conducting internal reforms. He congratulated Croatia on its receiving the NATO membership invitation, describing it as a great foreign-policy success.

Minister Jandroković and Minister Verhagen exchanged opinions about the situation in South Eastern Europe, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the stability and a clear European perspective of the region.

At the Dutch Parliament in The Hague, Minister Jandroković met with Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Harm-Evert Waalkens, Chairman of the European Integration Committee Henk Jan Ormel, and other MPs.

At the end of his working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Minister Jandroković met with OPCW Director General Rogelio Pfirter, handing him the medal of the Order of Prince Branimir with necklace and Danica, awarded to him by Croatian President Stjepan Mesić for his personal contribution to Croatia’s reputation in the world. Congratulating him on the medal, Minister Jandroković thanked Ambassador Pfirter for his contribution to global peace and security, as well as to the strengthening of international co-operation.

In the talks that preceded it, Minister Jandroković pointed out that Croatia takes pride in being one of the first signatories to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and one of its oldest members. He stressed that Croatia greatly respects the CWC and has fulfilled all of the obligations stemming from its membership, adding that Croatia wishes to continue raising the awareness about the Convention’s significance and places importance on regional co-operation in its implementation.