Minister Grabar-Kitarović, on official visit to Canada, met with Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor

Minister Grabar-Kitarović informed Minister O'Connor about the progress Croatia has made in acceding to full EU and NATO membership. The Republic of Croatia, said the minister, shares in full the values and interests of the NATO countries, and its membership is a strategic goal for Croatia. She stressed that Croatia is determined to continue with the implementation and realisation of the progress towards membership. Minister Grabar-Kitarović noted the continuation of the reforms and meeting of the political criteria, pointed out the continuation of the co-operation with the ICTY and noted the progress in the refugee return, stating that the whole process is expected to be completed soon.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović said she expects Canada’s support at the forthcoming NATO summit in Riga, in the sense of receiving a clear and encouraging signal as regards the membership invitation.

Minister O'Connor stated that Canada has noted Croatia’s progress and recognises it as a model of success and a positive example for other SEE countries.

The ministers also reviewed the situation in Afghanistan, where both countries are taking part in the setting up of peace and security by assisting in building the Afghan civil institutions. Minister O'Connor expressed his satisfaction with Croatia’s contribution to the establishment of democracy and the co-operation between Croatia and Canada in Afghanistan.