The ministers agreed that the two countries’ bilateral relations were excellent, pointing out the important role of Croatian-descended New Zealand citizens in bridging the two countries and nations
The ministers agreed that the two countries’ bilateral relations were excellent, pointing out the important role of Croatian-descended New Zealand citizens in bridging the two countries and nations. Minister Jandroković recalled the New Zealand Parliament’s marking the 150th anniversary of the first Croats’ immigration in 2008, while Minister McCully said he himself came from the part of New Zealand where the Croatian community had left a lasting mark.
The ministers discussed the current level of relations, with Minister Jandroković expressing hope that the visa regime for the Croatian citizens would be cancelled as soon as possible. Both sides confirmed the interest in finalizing the negotiations on the social insurance agreement and signing the agreement on student exchange aimed at gaining work experience. Minister McCully said that before his visit to Croatia he had discussed with his department colleagues how to realize said topics as soon as possible.
Analyzing the situation in Afghanistan, where both countries have military contingents, the ministers agreed that their presence contributed to the overall stabilization of the country. They also concurred that the modest bilateral economic cooperation could be greatly strengthened, and that there were unused potentials.
Minister Jandroković informed his counterpart about the status of Croatia’s EU negotiations, expressing hop in their closing in the first half of 2011, during Hungary’s EU presidency. Croatia’s EU membership will surely prompt the strengthening of the two countries’ overall bi- and multilateral relations, added the minister.
Minister Jandroković voiced concern over the fate of the 29 miners trapped in the coal mine on the South Island after a methane explosion, expressing hope in the positive outcome of the rescue mission.
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