In talks with the representatives of the U.S. administration, both sides pointed out the good bilateral relations between the two countries. Croatia expressed its willingness to build partner relations with the U.S. and asked for its support in joining NATO.
Minister Žužul points out that the U.S. representatives expressed their understanding of Croatia's efforts and commended the government's policy regarding the return of the refugees and the minority issues. The American side also stressed the necessity of Croatia's full co-operation with the Hague International Tribunal and the solving of the General Gotovina case. The U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell invited Croatia to persist in meeting all political criteria, expressing the readiness of the U.S. to support Croatia entering the Euro-Atlantic institutions.