Minister Grabar-Kitarović received to inaugural visits Dutch Ambassador Trooster, German Ambassador Peters, Australian Ambassador Reid

During the meeting with the newly-appointed Dutch Ambassador Trooster, Minister Grabar-Kitarović expressed her satisfaction with the development of the bilateral relations between the two countries, thanking for the assistance the Netherlands are offering Croatia through bilateral assistance and pre-accession programmes financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Trooster said she is extremely pleased that her first ambassadorial mandate will be in Croatia, a country on its way to a full EU and NATO membership.

The newly-appointed German Ambassador Peters and Minister Grabar-Kitarović agreed that the bilateral relations between Croatia and Germany are very good and friendly. Ambassador Peters stated his satisfaction with the assuming of the ambassadorial duty in Croatia, stressing his familiarity with the situation in the region, as he has spent his last two mandates as the ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia. He pointed out that Germany will continue to offer Croatia all of the assistance and support on its way to a full EU membership, especially in view of Germany’s EU presidency in the first half of 2007, announcing institutional reforms of the EU structures as one of its priorities.

The newly-appointed Australian Ambassador Reid handed the copies of her credentials to Minister Grabar-Kitarović. Both expressed satisfaction with the traditionally very good and friendly relations between the two countries and a hope for the continuation and intensification of the co-operation on all levels, especially in economy, considering the potential for economic growth and the potential of the Croatian community in Australia. Minister Grabar-Kitarović and Ambassador Reid agreed that it is precisely the numerous and active Croatian community in Australia that is one of the key links between the two countries.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović wished the newly-appointed ambassadors success during their mandate to Croatia.