Minister Grabar-Kitarović on working visit to Czech Republic

Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out the good, relations between the two countries with no open issues. She familiarised her collocutors with Croatia’s efforts in satisfying the last condition for full co-operation with the ICTY. The others expressed their support to Croatia’s joining the EU and its contribution to the stability of the whole region.

In a talk with Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek, Minister Grabar Kitarović thanked for Czech’s support to Croatia, adding that she hopes the EU will consider Croatia’s efforts and the situation in the region based on each country’s individual achievements. Paroubek pointed out the traditionally good relations between Croatia and the Czech Republic and announced his meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader in the second half of this year.

Talking with Czech Foreign Minister Svoboda, Minister Grabar Kitarović expressed her satisfaction with the intensification on the political dialogue between the two countries this year. Minister Svoboda said that the Czech Republic supports Croatia’s efforts to join the EU and NATO, adding that it is willing to share its experiences with the negotiations process. The two agreed that there is still room to improve the economic co-operation between their countries.

Minister Grabar Kitarović thanked Minister Svoboda for the Czech Republic’s support to Croatia since the achievement of its independence, as well as the offer to share its experience and advice in the negotiations with the EU. She pointed out Croatia’s determination to solve the last remaining issue, adding that she hopes the Task Force will recognise Croatia’s efforts in that regard.

The two ministers expressed their wish for the continuation of the good co-operation in the field of tourism, as some 800,000 Czech tourists visit Croatia every year.