Speaking at a joint press conference with Croatian Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Bildt said on Sweden's behalf he was looking forward to the moment when Croatia would become a member of the European Union, after which the two countries would have an even closer political dialogue on the various topics jointly discussed in the EU.
Sweden has always firmly and resolutely supported EU enlargement, Bildt said, adding that one should not forget that his country joined the Union not so long ago, in 1995.
He underlined the importance of clearly and loudly advocating enlargement at a time of certain hesitation within the Union.
We are helping and wish to contribute to the acceleration of Croatia's accession process and are optimistic that it can be completed within the deadlines discussed by the Croatian government, said Bildt.
We have discussed the possibility of Croatia participating, one way or another, in the next elections for the European Parliament, envisaged for June 2009, as this is important for Croatia, the wider region and the EU, he added.
Bildt also mentioned higher Swedish investment in Croatia, notably in telecommunications, assessing that Ericsson Nikola Tesla was very successful and Tele 2 had contributed to the climate of competition to the benefit of Croatian consumers.
Sweden-Croatia relations are very good and will only get better, said Bildt.
Grabar-Kitarovic said Croatia appreciated Sweden's support for its EU integration, notably Sweden's concrete assistance in the adjustment of Croatian legislation to EU standards.
The biggest projects are being implemented via the government's Swedish International Development Agency, she said, adding that projects worth one million euros would be implemented by the end of 2007. She said the projects referred to refugee return, reconstruction of infrastructure damaged in the war, human rights protection, promotion of democracy, legislative adjustment, and gender equality promotion.
Grabar-Kitarovic said economic relations were excellent, although the mutual wish was to further intensify and expand them.
She said that in this year's first six months, for the first time since 1995, Croatia had achieved a balanced trade with Sweden, primarily owing to the delivery of ships and tankers to Swedish clients. She said the deliveries were expected to continue in the next several years.
Grabar-Kitarovic too confirmed the growth of investment, saying Sweden was currently the 13th biggest investor in Croatia. She also said that nearly 130,000 Swedes vacationed in Croatia last year, up 45 per cent from the year before. She voiced confidence this trend would continue.