Minister Žužul met today in Bruxelles with NATO Deputy Secretary General Alessandro Minuto Rizzo...

Deputy Secretary General Minuto Rizzo welcomed Croatian government's enthusiasm in preparations for joining NATO, encouraging it to continue with the started reforms

Minister Žužul and Deputy Secretary General Minuto Rizzo agreed on a new platform of co-operation between Croatia and NATO, that involves a more active role of Croatia in NATO activities. Minuto Rizzo confirmed that the next NATO Summit Declaration, to be held end-July in Istanbul, will mention Croatia’s progress, and added that NATO’s doors are wide open for future members. Minister Žužul had today in Bruxelles a working breakfast with the ambassadors of the Vilnius Group member countries. In these talks in was emphasised that the solidarity principle, as the foundation for the Vilnius Group activities, should continue to be implemented after seven of ten members of the Vilnius Group join NATO. Thereby these countries expressed their readiness to offer support to Croatia’s joining the North Atlantic Alliance as soon as possible. Minister Žužul said that he appreciates the exchange of experiences between the member countries, some of which are already entering the Alliance, which is a proof of the successfulness of that initiative. The conclusion of today’s meetings in Bruxelles in that NATO expansion does not end with the joining of these 7 new members, rather NATO remains to be open and ready to admit Croatia and other countries in the region.

Press releases