Speaking about Croatia’s NATO accession, the Minister pointed out that NATO membership will increase the level of security, democracy, and economic prosperity of Croatia, while Croatia’s joining NATO will in turn have a positive influence on the long-term stabilisation of the SEE region. As regards regional co-operation, Minister Grabar-Kitarović stressed the need for the development of neighbourly relations and strengthening of regional stability and co-operation, pointing out that in the international community too Croatia is beginning to be perceived as a political and economic model in the region, as well as its leader.
Commenting on Croatia’s current positioning within global events, Minister Grabar-Kitarović emphasised the fact that Croatia is actively participating in 11 of the overall 18 UN peacekeeping missions, pointing out Croatia’s participation in ISAF Mission to Afghanistan and its contribution to the training of Iraqi police at the Jordan Academy. She also noted the various forms of development, humanitarian, technical and ad hoc assistance, in which the Diplomatic Academy is also participating with its newly-launched program for attendees from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Republic of Croatia has recently been elected to the IAEA Board of Governors, and will in the following period continue to lobby for the realisation of its non-permanent membership in the Security Council for the 2008-2009 period, which would be the first time Croatia has entered the composition of that UN body.