During afternoon, Minister Picula held initial talks with Mr. Francesco Areny, Speaker of the Parliament of Andorra. During talks, it was emphasised that both Croatia and Andorra are small countries, but that their voice should be heard, notably at these complex times when they are requested to participate in international community activities. This is notably significant for Parliaments of states that make decisions for territory under their jurisdiction which are important for relations, as well as for the future of these states.
In order to better understand the views and experiences of members of the Parliament of the two states, Minister Picula launched the initiative for the two Parliaments to be linked through the establishment of a special group of parliamentarians – friends or Foreign Policy Committees, and through contacts and cooperation at the highest level of Speakers of the Parliaments. Speaker of the Andorran Parliament accepted this initiative with great satisfaction.
In the talks with his Andorran counterpart, Mr. Juli Minoves, Croatian Minister presented results that the Republic of Croatia has achieved to date, notably on its path for full membership in the European Union. Andorran Minister Minoves wished Croatia a lot of success in its efforts to join EU, which is a long-term goal of the Principality of Andorra. The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the region and possible course of developments in the Near East. As to bilateral relations, they agreed that it would be good if greater cooperation could be encouraged not only at political level, but also at economic level, for instance in tourism and through investments or transfer of know-how.
In this relation, Minister Picula suggested that Andorran representatives participate at the Zagreb fair within the manifestation dedicated to sports, tourism and leisure, to be held in late February, as it is the right place for meeting of businessmen. Representatives of the two Chamber of Commerce discussed economic cooperation.
Minister Picula presented to his Andorran colleague a project of establishment of a Centre for Rehabilitation of Children – Victims of Mines. The project is also financed by donations of European Governments, and makes possible cooperation not only in relation to physical rehabilitation of children, but also in the field of education, for which Andorra is notably interested in. It was emphasised that the cooperation in education is to be strengthened. The two Ministers concluded to encourage cooperation of the two states through contacts of respective line ministries.
During the evening, Minister Picula was received by Mr. Marc Forné, Prime Minister of the Principality of Andorra.