State Secretary Hido Biščević held consultations with South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad

It was pointed out that the already good relations between the two countries are on the rise. State Secretary Biščević informed the South African diplomat about the basic guidelines of the Croatian foreign policy, with an emphasis on the foreign policy activities after receiving the EU candidate status and setting the date for the start of the membership negotiations, about Croatia’s policy towards neighbouring countries, and the effect of the situation in the region on the overall political and security situation in Europe. State Secretary Biščević asked for support to Croatia’s candidacy for non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2008/2009. Bilateral co-operation was also reviewed, as well as the possibility of its further improvement, especially in the field of economy.

South African Deputy Foreign Minister presented his country’s foreign policy goals: eradicating poverty and underdevelopment in Africa, peace and security, the strengthening of inter-African co-operation through regional and subregional organisations, and the war against international terrorism and other threats to the international system.