Marques met with Croatian Foreign Minister Davor Ivor Stier, among others, and gave a talk on the first 30 years of Portugal's European integration.
The visit was also aimed at preparing Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's visit to Croatia.
Marques and her Croatian interlocutors spoke about current European Union issues, including the migrant crisis, Brexit and the need to inform European citizens about the advantages of EU membership. At her talk, she spoke of Portugal's membership and possibilities of intensifying Croatia-Portugal cooperation within the EU.
Portugal's EU membership has been felt the most in science and education, health care and economic growth, she said.
"Over the past 30 years, the Portuguese economy changed its profile and now about 70% of Portugal's export goes on European markets, while tourism has become a trademark of our economic model. During that time, nights have doubled. This is an area where Portugal and Croatia can learn a lot from each other, sharing experiences and the most successful practices. Tourism is an area in which we can improve our bilateral relations. While our political and diplomatic relations are excellent, we still need to work on our economic exchange. The internal market, strongly supported by our countries, provides a perfect framework for strengthening economic relations," Marques said in her talk.
"Among citizens, there is still confidence in Europe. Next year we will have summits in La Valleta and Rome. They will be supremely important for defining our common future. Portugal and Croatia must work together with partner member states so that we don't miss that chance. Also, next year Portugal and Croatia will celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations and it will also be 25 years since the Maastricht Treaty was signed. That's a perfect time for our countries to join forces to build a better Europe," Marques said.