DUBLIN, Feb 5 (Hina) - Croatia's parliamentary delegation on Wednesday wrapped up its visit to Dublin where it held talks with several senior Irish officials who unanimously supported the forthcoming Croatian application for full
membership of the European Union.
DUBLIN, Feb 5 (Hina) - Croatia's parliamentary delegation on
Wednesday wrapped up its visit to Dublin where it held talks with
several senior Irish officials who unanimously supported the
forthcoming Croatian application for full membership of the
European Union. #L#
On the final day of their stay in the Irish capital, Sabor members
met with an Irish vice premier and minister in charge of
entrepreneurship, trade and employment, Mary Harney.
She said that her country would like to enhance business relations
with Croatia and that both countries had good potential for
strengthening economic ties, particularly in the fields of
education, science, technology and tourism. In this context, the
minister said Dublin was especially interested in investing in
Croatia's tourism.
Asked about Croatia's candidacy for EU membership, Ms. Harney said
Ireland supported Croatia's efforts to access the Union as soon as
possible, and added that decisions on Zagreb's application would be
made at the time when her country takes over presidency of the Union
-- 1. January 2004.
At the talks the Irish minister told the delegation of the Sabor
foreign affairs committee that Ireland could set a good example to
Croatia for economic progress.
When Ireland entered the EU in 1973, it was a relatively poor
country. Thanks to assistance from EU funds, large investments in
science and high education, the set-up of social partnership and
its openness and favourable conditions for foreign investors,
Ireland was, in a relatively short period, transformed into a
country with high technology.
In the past several years, Croatian representatives established a
few models of contacts with Irish officials who are experts on the
development of social partnership.
(hina) ms sb