State Secretary Bianca Matković visited Split on Tuesday, 16 September 2008

State Secretary Matković and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration held a meeting with businessmen of the Splitsko-Dalmatinska County and the City of Split on the topic of “Foreign Policy and Strengthening of Economic Diplomacy” at the premises of the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Split. In her address at the meeting, State Secretary Matković stated that economic relations were becoming increasingly important in modern international relations, especially in the context of accession of Croatia to the Euro-Atlantic integrations, and that therefore special attention was paid to furthering economic cooperation with other countries. State Secretary noted the increasing importance of the role of economic diplomacy, particularly in the context of opening new as well as enlarging existing markets. Having remarked that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration was aware that Croatian diplomacy should increase its efforts in providing concrete support to Croatian firms operating in the field, State Secretary Matković recalled that principle to approach each Croatian exporting firm individually was launched, and economic departments introduced within directorates at the Ministry. State Secretary also expressed belief that along these lines, and by providing support to all firms in the field, Croatian diplomacy will contribute to realization of the Croatian export offensive.

Thereafter State Secretary Matković, accompanied by Ambassador of the French Republic in the Republic of Croatia M. François Saint-Paul and Mayor of Split Ivan Kuret, attended the inauguration of the first international francophone school in the “Lučac” Elementary School. Subsequently State Secretary met with members of the Consular Corps in Split at the premises of the Split City Government. On the occasion State Secretary introduced the Consular Corps members to foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Croatia as well as the organizational changes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. Honorary consuls living and working in Split informed State Secretary Matković on their activities in Split and in the area of the four counties they cover. It was noted that they were a bridge for economic, cultural and political cooperation in addition to performing administrative and consular work and assisting the citizens of the countries they represent as honorary consuls. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet with State Secretary, the doyenne Silvana Kondić, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, pointed out it was the first time in independent Croatia that someone invited them and introduced them to chief guidelines of Croatian foreign policy, with a proposal to strengthen and expand cooperation.

While in Split, State Secretary Matković also visited the Children’s Home “Maestral” which she presented with a donation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration – furniture which will be used to furnish the living room for school age children, and personal computers. Director of the Home Edita Maretić introduced State Secretary Matković to the work of the Children’s Home “Maestral” – an institution operating at two locations, in Split and Kaštel Lukšić, and caring for about 120 children up to 18 years of age who are without parents or appropriate parental care. On the occasion the Director expressed gratitude for the donation received, and underlined that it will greatly improve the everyday life of children who reside at the Children’s Home.