Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Joško Klisović 12-14 February was on a working visit to Washington, where he held political consultations with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hoyt Yee. The two officials described the US-Croatia bilateral political relations as very good, underlining that the two countries had excellent cooperation on a number of issues. The US particularly appreciates Croatia’s engagement in defence cooperation and international operations, notably ISAF. Speaking of the region of Southeast Europe, Klisović and Hoyt said its stability was in the interest of both countries, which are keeping a close eye on reforms in the region and the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They agreed it was necessary to strengthen economic cooperation, notably in the area of energy. Klisović underlined the importance of signing the double taxation avoidance treaty as soon as possible, given that Croatia is the only EU member state with which the US has yet to pen this agreement that is important for the overall advancement of economic relations. He also said that Croatian nationals still required a visa to enter the US, stressing the importance of resolving that issue as soon as possible to mutual satisfaction. Conclusively, Klisović informed Hoyt about Croatia’s new model of economic diplomacy.
Klisović also held talks at the National Security Council, Department of Defence and Department of Homeland Security, discussing the current situation in Southeast Europe and post-2014 development of Afghanistan. The interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the cooperation in regard to the Syrian crisis, describing Croatia as the United States’ strategic partner in the region. They also praised Croatia’s contribution within NATO and discussed NATO summit as well as the current situation in Ukraine and the Eastern Partnership countries.
Klisović attended a working breakfast organized by the US Chamber of Commerce, at which he presented new legal frameworks aimed at improving the investment climate in Croatia. The breakfast saw American companies which had already expressed interest in doing business in Croatia.
With MPs and senators in the Congress Klisović talked about the prospects of developing economic relations between the two countries, including the energy sector, and once again called attention to the issue of visas for Croatian nationals and the need to sign the double taxation avoidance treaty as soon as possible.