Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Grabar-Kitarović met in Zagreb with Finnish Minister Lehtomäki

Minister Grabar-Kitarović thanked the Republic of Finland for its support to Croatia’s joining the process of European integration, pointing out that this support is specifically directed towards structural reforms, especially in the field of justice and sanitary inspections. Minister Grabar-Kitarović described the bilateral relations between Croatia and Finland as very good and with no open issues. She also pointed out the need for intensifying the economic bilateral co-operation, particularly in the field of trade between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Finland.

Minister Lehtomäki thanked for the cordial reception and useful discussion, and commended Croatia’s preparations for EU membership.

Finnish Minister Lehtomäki also showed interest in Croatia’s regional co-operation and its views on the situation in the SEE region, pointing out that Finland supports the individual approach to the EU. After giving a brief overview of the situation in the region, Minister Grabar-Kitarović said that the individual approach is the best motivation for all and the opening of the negotiations as soon as possible a strong signal for the neighbours. Minister Grabar-Kitarović thanked for Finland’s support to Croatia’s obtaining the EU candidate status.