Minister Grabar-Kitarović in New York for 61st session of UN General Assembly

On Friday, 22 September 2006, Minister Grabar-Kitarović participated in the meeting of the US-Adriatic Charter foreign ministers (Initiative A3), with US Assistant Secretary of State Dan Fried. The meeting is regularly held each year on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s session. The ministers presented the overview of the progress made in the last period and laid out their countries’ position as regards the Riga Summit. Minister Grabar-Kitarović said she expect the Riga Summit, which is not indented as an enlargement summit, will announce the next enlargement cycle, and confirmed Croatia’s dedication to meeting all of the membership criteria. She presented Croatia’s achievements in comprehensive internal reform, it favourable economic indexes, contribution to allied operations and regional co-operation, stressing the importance Croatia places on its current presidency over SEECP as an authentic voice of the region. The meeting pointed out that the membership aspiring countries are constantly making progress in their internal reforms, which are of crucial importance for joining the Alliance.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović also met with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. The main topic of the meeting were Croatia’s efforts in entering NATO as soon as possible and its expectations as regards the forthcoming Riga Summit. Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out that Croatia expects a strong, clear, and encouraging signal as to receiving an invitation for the start of the membership negotiations. Minister Grabar-Kitarović also presented the 2006/2007 National Programme of the fifth cycle of the Membership Action Plan (MAP), as well as the Communication Strategy for Croatia’s NATO Membership, adopted by the Croatian Government at its last week’s session. Minister Grabar-Kitarović reiterated Croatia’s dedication to joining the Alliance as one of its strategic priorities and determination to successfully carry out all of the necessary reforms. She specifically pointed out the intensified effort the Croatian Government will be putting forth in keeping a dialogue with the Croatian public concerning the issues of NATO membership. The minister reiterated the importance Croatia places on its participation in the NATO-led peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan with its 150 soldiers, diplomats, and police force members. The NATO Secretary General said the Alliance greatly respects Croatia’s contribution to the operation as an “exporter of security”.

At the margins of the meeting on Friday, 22 September 2006, Minister Grabar-Kitarović also met with Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel. The two reviewed the situation in the bilateral relations and discussed the open issues, agreeing on continuing to solve them in a constructive fashion.

The same day, Minister Grabar-Kitarović met with the foreign ministers of San Marino and Korea. The topics included the political and economic bilateral relations, and Croatia’s engagement in multilateral bodies, namely the UN. Minister Grabar-Kitarović also took part in the meeting of the region’s foreign ministers with Martti Ahtisaari, the Special UN Envoy for Kosovo.