Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić 21 July 2012 met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in the island of Brijuni

The two officials discussed the UN's priorities in the next term and Croatia's tasks both in the UN and in other multilateral organisations.

They also talked about a possible durable role of Croatia in stabilising the Western Balkans region and about cooperation with southern Mediterranean countries.

Pusić said Croatia would continue to work on strengthening the civil component of military missions as, once the conflict is resolved, state and civil institutions need to be built. Croatia would also like to see Afghan women and girls educated and included in the society, said Pusić.

Ki-moon highlighted the importance of sustainable development not only in terms of the environment, but economy and society as well. Congratulating Croatia on its pending EU membership, he recalled that only 15 years ago five UN missions had been operating in Croatia and pointed out UNTAES as the most successful one.

Also discussed was the situation in Syria and its impact on the wider neighbourhood, as Croatia at the moment is participating with unarmed military personnel as part of the UN mission there.

Pusić said that at this point it was important to engage all forces, primarily Russia, "without whose active participation it is impossible to resolve the situation." The UN secretary-general, who is on a three-day visit to Croatia on the occasion of its 20th UN membership anniversary, met earlier in the day with President Ivo Josipović and Prime Minister Zoran Milanović.



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