ZAGREB, Feb 17 (Hina) - Italian Premier Massimo D'Alema told reporters in Zagreb on Thursday his country would fully support Croatia in its integration with Euro-Atlantic structures, and that he was sure Croatia and Italy would work
together in building security in this region. "Croatia will be given a big support from friends on the Italian side in its rapprochement with the EU and NATO," D'Alema said after talks with Croatia's newly-elected President Stipe Mesic.
ZAGREB, Feb 17 (Hina) - Italian Premier Massimo D'Alema told
reporters in Zagreb on Thursday his country would fully support
Croatia in its integration with Euro-Atlantic structures, and that
he was sure Croatia and Italy would work together in building
security in this region.
"Croatia will be given a big support from friends on the Italian
side in its rapprochement with the EU and NATO," D'Alema said after
talks with Croatia's newly-elected President Stipe Mesic.#L#
D'Alema is the first premier to visit Croatia after the change of
government. He said he wanted to be the first to congratulate Mesic
on his election as Croatia's second president, since he will not be
able to attend Mesic's inauguration on Friday.
Mesic confirmed Italy supported Croatia's opening towards Europe
and cooperation with neighbouring countries. "Our strategic goals
are the EU and NATO, and friendly Italy will help us realise them,"
he told the press.
Both officials said they were sure Croatia would know how to create
a "peace zone" in the region. "We are sure Croatia will be able to
build security in this region with us," emphasised D'Alema, while
Mesic stated "Croatia intends to create a peace zone and a
destination for capital and people."
Mesic said he and D'Alema today also discussed several aspects of
cooperation, especially the possibility of improving economic
relations.
The two sides also agreed national minorities must be a bridge of
cooperation, he added.
Prior to his talks with Mesic, D'Alema met Croatian Premier Ivica
Racan.
(hina) ha