Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s press release regarding Rupel’s public letter

In this sense, the Republic of Croatia state authorities are familiar with the Joint Statement's text, as are the local authorities and self-governments situated in the border-areas. It has been proposed to the Slovenian side for a joint meeting with the representatives of the local communities, citizens, and fishermen to be held, as well as a joint meeting of the Subcommission for Fishery, working within the Permanent Mixed Commission for the Implementation of the Agreement on cross-border traffic and co-operation.

The Republic of Croatia Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry and the Republic of Slovenia Foreign Affairs Ministry appointed one representative each, charging them with the duty of maintaining the constant positive communication regarding the implementation of the Joint Statement. The Republic of Croatia feels the lives of people living next to the border should be made as easy as possible, and that all incidents should be avoided.

All the more, the Republic of Croatia Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry does not find acceptable one-sided legal and territorial interpretations of the provisions of Joint Statement on the avoidance of incidents, particularly not those concerning the Slovenian jurisdiction over the whole of the Savudrija Bay and the access to open sea, since 1991. What is more, the Joint Statement clearly defines it would not prejudice the final solution to the two countries' border issue.

The Croatian side will continue with the implementation of the Joint Statement on the avoidance of incidents, including the implementation of economy fishing as part of the Agreement on cross-border traffic and co-operation, for which the arrangements are already being made.