Minister Gordan Jandroković received Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt

Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the speedy progress in bilateral relations, which both described as very good and friendly in all areas. The two reviewed further economic co-operation, pointing out that Sweden is Croatia’s number one Scandinavian trade partner, with the trade in 2007 totalling $411 million.

Minister Jandroković said that Croatia appreciates Sweden’s professional, technical and financial assistance, and considers it an important support in its EU accession process. This especially goes for the SIDA’s program (Swedish International Development Agency). Sweden’s overall support between 2005-2008 amounted to 70 million kuna, a part of which is meant for implementing reforms and the harmonisation with the acquis.

As regards Croatia’s EU accession, Minister Jandroković informed his collocutor on Croatia’s achievements in conducting the reforms and satisfying the membership criteria. It was with satisfaction that Croatia received the statement by the European Commission’s President Jose Manuel Barroso that the target date for closing the technical negotiations with Croatia is the fall of 2009 and remains firmly dedicated to conducting the economic, justice and public administration reforms, as well as enhancing the battle against corruption, said Minister Jandroković.

Minister Bildt confirmed Sweden’s strong support for Croatia’s EU membership, pointing out he expects the negotiation process with Croatia to end during the Swedish EU presidency.

The two ministers reviewed the development of events in South Eastern Europe and exchanged opinions in the current state of affairs in the region. They also talked about the two countries’ relations on the multilateral plane, especially in light of Croatia’s non-permanent UN Security Council membership.