State Secretary Davor Božinović received former Turkish foreign minister and NATO Secretary General’s civilian representative for Afghanistan Hikmet Cetin

State Secretary Božinović informed his collocutor about the course of Croatia’s EU negotiations and the state of affairs in South Eastern Europe. Cetin acknowledged the great success Croatia has achieved since the time he was visiting it as foreign minister during the war years until today, when it is on the threshold of EU membership.

Pointing out the seriousness of the security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Cetin recognized Croatia’s participation in ISAF, describing its role in the mission as important and noticeable.

State Secretary Božinović also familiarized his collocutor with the dynamic of the ratification of the Protocol on NATO Enlargement to the Republic of Croatia, stating his conviction that at the next NATO summit in spring-2009, Croatia would take part as its full-fledged member.

Saying that Turkey’s ratification of the Protocol should be over by the end of this year, Cetin pointed out that Croatia’s joining NATO is of great importance to the entire region of South Eastern Europe.