ZAGREB, Sept 18 (Hina) - A strategic goal of Croatia's foreign policy is access to the European Union and NATO and it is supported by all citizens, Foreign Minister Tonino Picula said in Zagreb on Monday opening a forum on Croatia's
foreign affairs in the 200 days since January 3 parliamentary elections. "We want to become a vital part of the community of states which share the same interests and future," Picula told the forum entitled "200 Days of the Foreign Policy of the Government of the Republic of Croatia: Diplomatic Successes, Challenges, and the International Community's Views". The forum gathered representatives of the government, parliament, diplomatic corps, and scholars. "We want the picture of our state as partner to become deep-rooted," the foreign minister said, stressing "democratisation and reforms are the imperative of Croatia's future." He reminded that a lot had been
ZAGREB, Sept 18 (Hina) - A strategic goal of Croatia's foreign
policy is access to the European Union and NATO and it is supported
by all citizens, Foreign Minister Tonino Picula said in Zagreb on
Monday opening a forum on Croatia's foreign affairs in the 200 days
since January 3 parliamentary elections.
"We want to become a vital part of the community of states which
share the same interests and future," Picula told the forum
entitled "200 Days of the Foreign Policy of the Government of the
Republic of Croatia: Diplomatic Successes, Challenges, and the
International Community's Views".
The forum gathered representatives of the government, parliament,
diplomatic corps, and scholars.
"We want the picture of our state as partner to become deep-rooted,"
the foreign minister said, stressing "democratisation and reforms
are the imperative of Croatia's future."
He reminded that a lot had been done in foreign affairs since
January. Croatia has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace
programme, is soon to start negotiations with the EU on the
Stabilisation and Association Agreement, has improved and upgraded
relations with countries in the region, West and North Europe, and
transatlantic countries as well.
According to Picula, the advancement of the relations will also be a
Croatian foreign policy priority. Others include cooperation in a
wider region, including the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe and
the Adriatic-Ionian Highway initiative, and cooperation with
countries in transition and neighbours.
"What connects Croatia with neighbouring countries is the
multiplicity of interests and it is important that Croatia develop
good ties with its neighbours," said the foreign minister.
"What is new after January 3 is the fact that Croatia's image has
changed, and this is not the merit of the Foreign Ministry or the
President, but of all citizens," he concluded, conceding that
despite the efforts it was making, Croatia remained insufficiently
known around the world.
Moreover, Croatia has to tackle ongoing issues, such as refugee
returns to pre-war homes, eliminating the consequences of last
decade's Serb aggression, insufficient funds for building the
infrastructure, and organised crime and smuggling, the foreign
minister concluded.
(hina) ha jn