State Secretary Bianca Matković met in Athens with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yannis Valinakis, held political consultations

"Foto: State Secretary for Political Affairs Bianca Matković and Deputy Foreign Minister Yannis Valinakis"

The collocutors expressed satisfaction with the two countries’ friendly relations, pointing out that there is room for expanding the cooperation, especially in economy. State Secretary Matković thanked the Hellenic Republic for supporting Croatia during its NATO accession, and Deputy Minister Valinakis stressed that Croatia can continue to count on Greece’s support along the way to its next priority foreign-policy goal – the EU membership.

In that regard, State Secretary Matković informed Deputy Minister Valinakis about the course of Croatia’s negotiations. She emphasized that Croatia is doing its part and harmonizing its legislature with that of the EU according to the planned deadlines, expressing her conviction that the technical part of the negotiations will be completed by the end of the year, in accordance with the European Commission’s Road Map. Familiarizing him with Croatia and Slovenia’s positions on the solution to the border dispute, she said she is convinced Slovenia would life its veto soon.

The collocutors also talked about the situation in South Eastern Europe, pointing out Croatia’s role as a stability factor and a model county for other countries in the region on the way to the Euro-Atlantic structures.

During her stay in Athens, State Secretary Matković also met with Vice Parliament Speaker and Chairwoman of the Committee on European Affairs Elisabeth Papadimitriou, with whom she discussed the bilateral relations, Croatia’s EU accession process, and possible joint projects in light of both countries’ Mediterranean perspective.

State Secretary Matković also met with Special Advisor to Prime Minister for International Relations Marina Skordeli, with whom she also reviewed the potential for further cooperation.