Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marija Pejčinović Burić 6 April met with French Minister for European Affairs Nathalie Loiseau.
The ministers underlined the very good bilateral relations, expressing readiness for their further advancement. The Strategic Partnership 2018-2021 Action Plan signed today will additionally strengthen the two countries’ partnership. The Action Plan highlights bilateral and multilateral political relations, economic relations and cooperation in culture, education and other area.
Pejčinović Burić and Loiseau supported the teaching of Croatian in French schools and French in Croatian schools as well as the five French Alliance branches in Croatia.
The two ministers confirmed the interest to strengthen Croatia-France future cooperation within the EU and other multilateral forums. The French minister underscored support for Croatia’s strategic priorities: joining the Schengen Area, Eurozone and OECD. In regard to Croatia’s presidency over the EU in 2020, the ministers stressed the need to intensify dialogue.
Pejčinović Burić and Loiseau also talked about EU enlargement, the importance of the accession process for the countries in Southeast Europe, and action benefiting the stability of Southeast Europe.
During her stay in Zagreb, Loiseau met with State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko Zgombić. The two officials discussed topical EU issues, with emphasis on the Multiannual Framework, Brexit, rule of law, migration and enlargement, underlining the importance of promoting European values and expressing interest in cooperation in regard to chairing the CoE Committee of Ministers.