The meeting is being attended by 150 representatives of states, governments and business enterprises from Southeast Europe and the European Union. It highlighted the need for the support of the international community, particularly the EU, and the need to promote regional cooperation.
Addressing the conference, the head of the Croatian delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Damir Polancec, said that Croatia had taken all the necessary steps to start membership talks with the European Union.
Polancec said that Croatia was systematically implementing programmes aimed at adjusting its legislation to that of the European Union and that it was creating a favourable environment for foreign investors.
He added that Croatia was also developing cooperation with all countries in the region, that it was participating in several regional initiatives, and that it was ready to share its experience with countries aspiring to join the EU.
At the end of the conference, representatives of the Southeast European countries and the European Union are expected to sign a joint declaration.