ZAGREB, July 16 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on Wednesday received a delegation of the Irish parliament's foreign affairs committee led by chairman Michael Woods, the ministry said in a statement.
ZAGREB, July 16 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula on
Wednesday received a delegation of the Irish parliament's foreign
affairs committee led by chairman Michael Woods, the ministry said
in a statement. #L#
Ireland will take over presidency of the European Union in the first
half of 2004 when the European Commission, according to
announcements, should make an opinion of Croatia's application for
membership in the Union, the statement recalled.
The Irish delegation extended clear and open support to Croatia's
bids to join the EU and offered assistance based on Ireland's
experience.
The delegation spoke of issues Ireland had focused on in overcoming
economic difficulties, saying it was necessary to preserve the
European entrepreneurship model with a social balance. With its
long tradition and determination to be the one deciding about its
future, Croatia can contribute to the preservation of European
values, the parliamentarians said.
(hina) ha sb