Foreign Minister Miomir Žužul is taking part at the 14th Ministerial Conference of the Non-aligned Movement in Durban

Today, 19 August 2004, Minister Žužul held a speech at the plenary session before the heads of the delegations of the Non-aligned Movement members. Thanking the President of the Republic of South Africa Thabo Mbeki for his hospitality, Minister Žužul pointed out that Croatia shares the fundamental values the Movement was built upon: mutual respect between the countries regardless of their size or power, strengthening of the open dialogue based on co-operation, not competition, an a lasting battle for the world peace.

Minister Žužul talked about Croatia’s experience after gaining the independence, pointing out the knowledge and experience it acquired in regional co-operation, the building of the atmosphere of trust between the neighbouring countries, return and care for the refugees and displaced persons, economic reconstruction and social rehabilitation.

Today, Minister Žužul will hold bilateral meetings with heads of the Kenyan, Nigerian, Malawian, Comoran, Senegalese, Congolese and Ugandan delegation. Tonight, Minister Žužul will meet with the South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

The 14th Ministerial Conference of the Non-aligned Movement is ending today. Tomorrow, 20 August 2004, the Croatian delegation is leaving for Pretoria, and then Johannesburg, where they will meet with the local businessmen and representatives of the Croatian expatriates living in the Republic of South Africa.