State Secretary Bianca Matković organised on Tuesday, 16 June 2009, a briefing for heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the Republic of Croatia

State Secretary Matković informed the attendees that this year’s fourth consecutive “Croatia Summit”, to be held on 9 and 10 July 2009 in Dubrovnik, would deal with the issues concerning Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries in South East Europe, stability and economic and political development of the region, and with cooperation in the energy sector in Europe. She remarked that this year “Croatia Summit” was organised jointly by the Croatian and Swedish Governments, and it was expected that a large number of high-ranking participants from Europe, North America and Russia would attend, including several prime ministers, numerous ministers and other high-ranking officials.

Minister of Tourism Damir Bajs commented the implementation of the Development Strategy of Croatian Tourism by 2010, the measures undertaken so far and further measures envisaged in the Tourism Action Plan. He pointed out the importance of tourism as the strategic economic sector with 18% share in GDP, and the fact that almost 85% of guests are foreigners. He also noted that despite the global financial crisis, Croatia had recorded a significantly lower decrease in the tourism sector compared to many other European, especially the Mediterranean countries.

State Secretary Zdravko Marić informed the attendees about the implementation of anti-recession measures of the Croatian Government and pointed out that numerous positive results could already be seen. He also reminded that in March the budget was reviewed thus creating the preconditions for the implementation of the remaining measures, and only recently 750 million Euro worth Eurobonds were issued successfully.

State Secretary Matković said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, within the framework of implementing anti-recession measures, stepped up its activities of economic diplomacy and promoting Croatian tourism through diplomatic and consular representative offices abroad. She also announced that in cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board, with a view to promoting Croatian tourism, the Ministry would help in the organisation of business visits to Croatia to all interested tour operators and representatives of the foreign media.

State Secretary Matković informed all present heads of diplomatic missions about the outcomes of yesterday’s meeting of Minister Jandroković with Olli Rehn, Commissioner of the European Commission, and with Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Žbogar. She said that Croatia was prepared to fulfil all its obligations in the process of accession to the European Union, in accordance with the European Commission’s Road Map, and expressed her belief that Croatia’s accession negotiations would soon be unblocked.