- Published: 24.04.2007.
Minister Grabar-Kitarović received Cyprian Foreign Minister Yiorgos Lillikas
Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received on 24 April 2007 the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Yiorgos Lillikas, who is on an official visit to Croatia
Both described the bilateral relations as good and friendly, expressing a wish for their further strengthening and development and an interest for the stimulation of the further continuation of the regular political consultations within the Protocol on the Consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Another proof of the good relations is the current and future exchange of bilateral visits, as well as Croatia’s opening of a Consulate General in Nicosia and Cyprus’ opening of a Consulate General in Zagreb.
Minister Grabar-Kitarović expressed an interest for the strengthening of the economic co-operation and the two sides discussed the possible areas of the co-operation. In 2006, the trade between the two countries totalled $47 mil., of which $44 mil. was Croatia’s export.
Minister Grabar-Kitarović communicated the Croatian side’s interest for the exchange of information regarding the EU accession issues in the key stages of the process, adding that Croatia would greatly appreciate Cyprus’ experiences.
As regards the multilateral co-operation, Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out the Mediterranean dimension that Croatia can bring through its activities within international organisations such as the UN and its bodies. In that regard, Minister Grabar-Kitarović reminded that Croatia participates in the UN peacekeeping mission to Cyprus with four military and three police officers, who in September 2005 received UN medals for their exemplary and professional service in the mission.
Minister Lillikas said that the two countries co-operate well within multilateral organisations, especially the UN, and thanked Croatia for its participation in the UN peacekeeping mission to Cyprus.
Minister Lillikas confirmed that Cyprus has been supporting Croatia’s EU aspirations from the start, through political as well as professional support. As regards the bilateral co-operation, Minister Lillikas expressed a wish for its intensification, especially in economy.