Minister Grabar-Kitarović at SEECP foreign ministers’ meeting in Athens, Hellenic Republic

The discussion reviewed the numerous topics of common interest for the region, namely the strengthening of the integration processes and various form of co-operation with the Euro-Atlantic structures, intensifying the economic co-operation, developing the energetic and economic infrastructure, as well as the future form of regional co-operation.

The European Union has confirmed a clear European perspective for the region, as well as the dedication to an active co-operation with it, the forms of which are to be discussed through various forums during Austria’s EU presidency.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović, acting as a member of the Troika (composed of Romania, the Hellenic Republic, and Croatia) and the future SEECP presiding country, pointed out the positive influence of Croatia’s opening the EU accession negotiations on the events in the region.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović announced that during its SEECP presidency from May 2006 to May 2007, Croatia will especially dedicate itself to backing the SEECP members in their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, as well as supporting the democratic and pro-European potentials of the SEE countries. As other priorities she pointed out the development of neighbourly relations and co-operation based on equality and mutuality, the economic co-operation with the aim of speeding up the development and EU integration, fighting organised crime and corruption and the co-operation in combating terrorism, environmental protection, the development of transport, energetic and communication infrastructure, as well as the cross-border and parliamentary co-operation.

The SEECP was launched at Bulgaria’s initiative when at the 1996 Bulgaria-presided meeting in Sofia the SEE countries laid the foundation for the regional co-operation with the aim of creating a climate of trust, neighbourliness and stability. The Republic of Croatia became a full member 22 October 2004 in Bucharest.