Minister Žužul received in Vienna by Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik

Austria has so far had the leading role in assisting Croatia approach the EU and continues to advocate Croatia’s joining the EU membership as soon as possible, pointed out the Austrian foreign minister. As for Croatia’s negotiations with the EU, Austria still believes they will start no later than early-2005. The issue of co-operation with the ICTY, said minister Plassnik, is extremely important.

Minister Žužul said that Croatia is intensely preparing for the negotiations and asked of the Austrian minister for support in this Croatia’s foreign policy priority. Minister Žužul also informed minister Plassnik about the political situation in Croatia and the pending presidential elections.

Minister Plassnik commended the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, adding that there are as much as 50-70 highest level visits on both sides. Among this year’s visits, the Austrian minister singled out the recent visit by Federal President Fischer to Croatia. Economic relations between the two countries in also intensifying. With a 26% share in the overall investment, Austria has been the leading foreign investor in Croatia since 1993. Since Croatia gained independence, Austria’s export has been steadily increasing and now amounts to some 604 mil. Euro, and it is sure to continue in the same manner. These frameworks can be further improved through administration, justice and other reforms, said Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik.