Minister Grabar-Kitarović received Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt

The two ministers described the relations between the two countries, which are unfolding in a spirit of friendship, as very good. Co-operation projects between the Republic of Croatia and the Kingdom of Sweden have a special place in the bilateral relations. As regards the co-operation in development, it was pointed out that by end-2005 Sweden allocated €45 mil. for the humanitarian and development aid for Croatia. The most important projects are taking place through the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (SIDA). As a part of its assistance to Croatia, SIDA is running programs concerning the refugee return, reconstruction of war-damaged infrastructure, human rights, democracy, and the promotion of gender equality.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović thanked Minister Bildt for Sweden’s support for Croatia’s process of EU accession, as well as the humanitarian and development aid. She said that the economic co-operation is also very good, pointing out that in the first 9 months of 2006, for the first time since 1995, Croatia has realised a balanced trade with Sweden. Speaking about the economic co-operation, Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointed out the example of ship building and delivery for the Swedish customers, which should continue in the following years. The overall Sweden’s investment in Croatia is on the rise, said Minister Grabar-Kitarović, especially in telecommunications, with Sweden taking the 13th place in the overall investment in Croatia. It was also pointed out that in 2005, 127,387 Swedish tourists have visited Croatia, which is 45% more than the year before, and that trend is expected to continue.

As regards the economic co-operation, both sides pointed out the need and wish for its further strengthening and enhancement.

Minister Bildt confirmed that the Kingdom of Sweden will continue to offer support and assistance to Croatia in its EU accession process. Sweden has always supported the EU enlargement and advocated the admission of Croatia into membership, said Minister Bildt, adding that there is a mutual interest for further development of the bilateral relations that will lead to partnership relations within the EU. Acceding to the EU is as important for Croatia as it is for the EU, and will lead to further stabilisation of the region, concluded Minister Bildt.