State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić on Saturday met with Finnish European Affairs Minister Tytti Tuppurainen.
The two officials underscored very good and friendly bilateral relations, stressing the importance of their continued strengthening as well as the intensification of contacts at all levels. Among the areas where relations could be strengthened, they singled out economy, culture and the transfer of knowledge. Metelko-Zgombić thanked Finland for supporting Croatia’s Schengen, eurozone and OECD bids. She reaffirmed Croatia’s commitment to NATO’s Open Door Policy, which includes supporting Finland and Sweden’s membership applications.
Metelko-Zgombić and Tuppurainen strongly condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, underlining solidarity with and support for Ukraine and its people. They stressed the importance of unity within the EU in terms of sanctions against Russia as well as the food and energy supply, where Croatia can step in with its ports and warehouses and contribute to energy security of the surrounding countries and energy independence of Europe.
The two officials also addressed other topical matters and European policies on which Croatia and Finland cooperate, including the implementation of recommendations from the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European perspective of Western Balkan countries. They highlighted the importance of continuing the credible enlargement policy, with an emphasis on supporting reforms in Southeast Europe, notably Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a view to strengthening stability, democratic processes, human rights and rule of law.
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