Jakovcic said he saw the invitation to visit as a great credit to the policy of multiculturalism and multilingualism that had been pursued in Istria for years and also a great credit to all the citizens who had supported that policy.
Describing Ciampi as a charismatic person, Jakovcic said that their talks would focus on Croatia's efforts to join the European Union and development projects in Istria. He added that he would ask the Italian president's support for the policies of the Croatian Government, Parliament and particularly President Stjepan Mesic aimed at taking Croatia closer to the European Union.
Radin said that it would be a historic visit, because it was a precedent for a foreign head of state to invite a county prefect from another country. He added that the invitation showed the Italian president's interest in Istria, particularly in the Italian minority there.
Radin said that the position of members of the Italian national minority and the importance of Istria as the most developed Croatian region would dominate the talks with Ciampi.
Jakovcic said that he had informed President Mesic and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader about his visit to the Italian president.