Minister Grabar-Kitarović met with Cypriot President Papadopoulos, Parliament’s President Christofis, Foreign Minister Iacovou

Minister Grabar-Kitarović thanked the Cypriot Government for its support to Croatia on the eve of the EU membership negotiations. She pointed out that the bilateral relations between Croatia and Cyprus are good, but that there is room for improvement, especially in economy. Minister Grabar-Kitarović informed the present parties about the situation in the region, stressing that Croatia will continue to stimulate the maintenance of security.

The top Cypriot state officials pointed out the characteristic nature of Minister Grabar-Kitarović’s official visit, since this is the first minister-level visit since Croatia gained its independence.

It was offered that Cyprus share its experiences in negotiations with and acceding to the EU, and in the utilisation of its pre-accession funds.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović also talked about the mining action in Croatia and offered Cyprus to transfer Croatia’s experience in and knowledge of the issue, as well as its experts in that field.

Discussing the economic issues, it was pointed out that in 2005 the trade between Croatia and Cyprus totalled $88 mil., out of which $85 mil. goes to Croatia’s export to Cyprus and $3 mil. to Cyprus’ export to Croatia. Croatia exports ships, boats, sailing constructions, mineral oil etc., and imports mostly fruit and vegetables. Both sides concluded that there is room for the trade to increase. As regards the transport co-operation between the two countries – by sea/air and the maritime trade – the two sides agreed that Croatia could serve as Cyprus’ link to Central Europe, and Cyprus as Croatia’s link to the Near and Middle East.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović visited the Croatian members of the UN peace-keeping mission on Cyprus (UNFICYP): two police force and two armed forces members. Their presence was describes as very positive, hinting at the fact that it would be appreciated if Croatia increased its forces within the UN mandate.

In the afternoon hours, Minister Grabar-Kitarović is scheduled to meet with President of the Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Mavrommatis, with whom she will discuss the concretisation and increase of the economic co-operation, which was already mentioned during the meeting with the Cypriot officials.