Press Release 388/03

At the Christmas and New Year’s reception organised for the representatives of the diplomatic corps in Croatia on 19 December 2003 at the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Tonino Picula reviewed the challenges and successes of the Croatian foreign policy from 2000 until today.

In the past 12 years, Croatia has had its ups and downs in foreign policy, “but today, it is my opinion, as well as the Croatian government’s, is fully immersed in the process of conducting serious reforms,” said Minister Picula. Reform are being carried out in all areas of the state, which includes foreign policy as well.

“Building the Croatian society on the foundations of the European democracy is one of the most important Croatia’s goals,” said Minister Picula, reminding the representatives of the results Croatia has achieved so far on its path towards the EU and NATO. He specifically stressed the importance of Croatia’s joining the war on terrorism, saying that nothing can serve as an alibi for violating human rights. He further said that the regional policy offers Croatia the possibilities that need to be explored, stressing his conviction that the Croatian foreign policy will continue going in the same direction, because “basic priorities of Croatian foreign policy did not change after the elections.”

Wishing the representatives of the diplomatic corps a successful 2004, Minister Picula express his appreciation of the constructive and meaningful dialogue between their home countries and former Croatian government, as well as the help they have offered. “I am confident that this spirit of co-operation and constructive dialogue will continue with the new Croatian government,” said Minister Picula.

Press releases