Pusic and Netshithenzhe, who is based in Vienna, discussed the development of bilateral relations on the political and economic fronts, underlining the need for officials to exchange visits. They said the improvement of relations in all areas was of common interest and voiced confidence that Croatia's accession to the European Union would contribute to the strengthening of Croatia's cooperation with South Africa.
Pusic thanked Ambassador Tsuji for Japan's humanitarian aid to Croatia so far, notably in demining. Earlier today, Tsuji signed a deed of donation in the amount of EUR 80,000 for demining in Lipik.
Pusic and Ambassador Ozugergin underlined the need to revive cooperation between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Turkey, while supporting the countries in the region in their European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations with a view to stabilising Southeast Europe. Pusic said she expected Turkish representatives to attend the Croatia Summit in Dubrovnik this summer. Ozugergin briefed Pusic about a Friends of Syria meeting to take place in Istanbul on April 1, aimed at finding a solution to the Syrian crisis.
Pusic and the South Korean ambassador talked about plans for political consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries and the possibility of Foreign and Trade Minister Kim Sung Hwan visiting Croatia. In light of South Korea's interest in the opening of a Croatian embassy in Seoul, Pusic said Croatia considered this issue to be a priority. She said Croatia welcomed every initiative to increase Korean investment, notably in big infrastructure and energy projects. She said tourism was also promising, since more than 33,000 South Koreans visited Croatia in 2011.
During talks with Ambassador Tarka, Pusic said Croatia appreciated the support it had received from Poland during its EU accession negotiations and the campaign for the accession referendum. The two officials said both countries were interested in intensifying economic cooperation and welcomed the increasing interest between Croatian and Polish companies to cooperate. They also discussed the possibility of joint projects involving renewable energy sources, energy security, and transport routes between the Baltic and the Adriatic.
Tarka said the coming European soccer championship would be another opportunity to develop cooperation and bring more Croatian tourists to Poland. He recalled that the mayors of Poznan and Gdansk, where the Croatian team will play, visited Croatia last week to present their cities.
Pusic and Tarka also discussed the possibility of Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski officially visiting Croatia, whom Pusic invited to the Croatia Summit.