(Hina) - The Austrian-Croatian year of culture, officially opened in Vienna on Tuesday, is more than just an opportunity to intensify cultural relations between the two countries but has a strong integration character as well, Croatian Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier said at the opening.
"This is a special year for our relations because in 2017 we are marking 25 years of both Croatia's international recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and Austria," Stier said at the "Porgy and Bess" jazz club.
This is an excellent opportunity to once again reiterate that we share common values and, even more importantly, that we share the present and the future within the European Union, Stier said.
The year of culture 2017 was initiated by the Austrian Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the Croatian Foreign Ministry. Under the motto "Together in culture", the two countries will intensify each other's presentation in the partner country.
"This year we will have over 100 different activities which will additionally connect Croats and Austrians," Stier said, adding that the programme of cultural cooperation wanted to underscore women's role in culture.
The opening was attended by Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz.
Stier said Croatia remembered well Austria's support during its the most difficult times in the 1990s, notably then foreign minister Alois Mock, who strongly pushed for Croatia's recognition. "Today I had an excellent meeting with Sebastian and... Alois Mock has a worthy successor," he said.