Minister Grabar-Kitarović met with Turkey’s State Minister for Economy Ali Babaçan

Minister Grabar-Kitarović and Minister Babaçan pointed out that the relations between the two countries are very good and friendly, with no outstanding issues, and constantly on the rise on the bilateral, regional, and multilateral level. Minister Grabar-Kitarović expressed her satisfaction with the numerous levels of co-operation between the two countries and the exchange of experiences through contacts and consultations among institutions, adding she is convinced that this kind of practice will continue.

Minister Babaçan pointed out that Turkey and Croatia share a common goal of becoming full members of the EU and informed Minister Grabar-Kitarović about the political and economic reforms that Turkey is conducting to that end. He also pointed out that Turkey’s EU accession is a historical project that can serve as a pledge to the security and stability of the whole Europe, and enrich it with a new cultural diversity.

Minister Grabar-Kitarović informed Minister Babaçan about the current political situation in Croatia and Croatia’s progress in the EU accession process. She stressed that the Croatian side expects that the negotiations will continue to be based on individual achievements and expressed hope for the continuation of the two countries’ mutual support.

The two ministers also discussed about NATO, with Minister Grabar-Kitarović pointing out that Croatia, in view of its meeting the required criteria and the progress it has made, expects a clear signal at the Riga Summit as regards its joining NATO. Minister Babaçan said that Turkey fully supports Croatia’s joining the NATO alliance.