Introductory Address of Welcome

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, dear colleagues:

I have a privilege and great pleasure to welcome you today as a special envoy of the Minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Tonino Picula. Let me also convey his satisfaction that this valuable gathering of diplomats, journalists and other media experts from thirteen Central European Initiative member states as well as five other countries and eight international organizations interested in the issue of public diplomacy and media is held particularly here in Dubrovnik, which is also a cradle of centuries-old diplomacy. Furthermore, the seminar as an international venture can be also seen as an additional contribution to the overall network of diplomatic activities and reconfirms Dubrovnik as an appropriate diplomatic venue.

This seminar in organization of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, that is held as part of the CEI activities within the Stability Pact framework is also a part of Croatian contribution to the First Working Table on Democracy and Human Rights. Moreover, it is for the first time in this part of Europe that both diplomats and journalists are gathered together, which shows the need for both groups to work together in a globalized world, where cooperation and not competitiveness among states is essential as well as partnership and interactivness.

Having all this in mind, I hope that this gathering will enable an effective exchange of opinion and provide further contribution to better understanding between diplomats and media. It will also contribute to confidence building and cross-cultural awareness in this part of Europe as well as networking of professionals in order that a traditional mistrust primarily based on single national interests gives way to cooperation and interdependence already present in developed democracies and set out as goals of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We obviously live in an interdependent world where all have to work together, which also goes for diplomats and media, who share a common ground and have a responsibility to correctly inform the public about policy issues that will affect their lives. I also hope that a follow-up of this seminar will result in similar gatherings that will increase mutual trust so that we could progress towards achieving the ultimate goal of serving the public in a most democratic way.

Having all this in mind let me conclude by wishing all the best for our work in the two-day seminar and ending on this note, I proclaim this seminar open.