Published: 09.02.2006.

Regular political consultations held between delegations of Croatian MFAEI and Portuguese MFA

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, regular political consultations were held Thursday, 9 February 2006, between delegations of the Croatian MFAEI, led by State Secretary for Political Affairs Hido Biščević, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, led by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation Joao Gomes Cravinho

The Portuguese delegation was also received by Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations and pointed out the need to further improve the mutual co-operation, especially in economy, tourism, and culture.

State Secretary Biščević informed the Portuguese side about Croatia’s activities in approaching the Euro-Atlantic integration, especially the progress of the EU membership negotiations and the screening activities.

It was also pointed out that Croatia expects that at this year’s NATO summit in Riga, based on the conducted reforms and Croatia’s overall progress, NATO members will send positive messages as regards the invitation to a full NATO membership.

Speaking about the Euro-Atlantic integration processes of the SEE countries, it was pointed out Croatia advocates the individual approach to appraising each country’s meeting of the membership criteria. The Croatian side thanked for the strong support the Portuguese Republic has been offering Croatia on its way to the EU and NATO from the start.

The Croatian side informed the Portuguese side about the situation in the South East Europe and both sides agreed that Croatia, as a membership candidate and a future full EU member, will play a significant role in the stabilisation of the region, and greatly assist the other SEE countries in their Euro-integration processes.

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