Seks informed the German parliamentarian of the progress Croatia had made on its road towards full membership of the European Union, and stressed that his country was consistently meeting all political criteria, including cooperation with the Hague-based UN war crimes tribunal, the refugee return process and the adjustment of the national legislation to EU standards.
Ruehe said that an intensive political dialogue should be maintained on the path towards EU membership and expressed confidence that Croatia would start entry talks with the Union next spring.
The German MP held talks with Gordan Jandrokovic, chairman of the Sabor's foreign affairs committee. The latter thanked Germany for the help it offered to Croatia during the Homeland Defence War and in its efforts to join the EU and NATO.
Jandrokovic also informed the German guest of the current political topics such as Croatia's stand-by arrangement with the International Monetary Fund, the return of refugees and displaced persons and regional cooperation.
Ruehe, a former German defence minister, said admission to the European bloc was more important for Croatia than NATO membership. He also commended Croatia for its programme on housing reconstruction.