Minister Grabar-Kitarović received Maltese Foreign Minister Michael Frendo

Ministers Grabar-Kitarović and Frendo confirmed that the bilateral relations between Croatia and Malta are very good and friendly, with no open issues. They pointed out that the future co-operation between the two countries belonging to the Mediterranean circle has a very good perspective, especially in view of the recently signed Protocol on the Co-operation between Croatian MFAEI and Maltese MFA, which determined that regular consultations be held once a year with the aim of examining all aspects of the bilateral relations and exchanging views on regional and international issues.

Ministers Grabar-Kitarović and Frendo agreed that Croatia and Malta have a joint interest in developing the co-operation, especially in tourism and economy, with emphasis on shipbuilding and maritime affairs. Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out that Croatia holds great logistical support possibilities through connecting Malta transportation-wise with Europe via the Croatian ports, linked to the European cities through modern highways, while Malta could be Croatia’s transportation link with North Africa.

The two ministers also pointed out the successful co-operation between the two countries’ diplomatic academies, with the arrangements being made to establish co-operation in economic diplomacy and transfer Malta’s negotiations experiences. The two ministers also discussed intensifying the co-operation with the Mediterranean Diplomatic Academy, in view of its extensive experience in e-learning. The Croatian side is interested in all forms of co-operation and knowledge exchange, as well as being included in the program of One-year Expert Diplomatic Study on Economic Diplomacy by visiting lectures from the Mediterranean DA, who will participate with our full-time lectures in some of its programs.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović informed Minister Frendo in detail with the current events in Croatia’s EU accession process and the course of the full membership negotiations, pointing out that the Council of the European Union has so far adopted Reports for 7 chapters of the screening. She also stressed that the Croatian side expects the negotiations process to be based on individual achievements and progress in the reform process.

At the end of the meeting, Minister Frendo confirmed the official visit by Maltese President Edward Fenech-Adami to Croatian President Stjepan Mesić in October 2006.