Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, attending a session of the Council, said he wanted the Croatian people to be united wherever Croats lived, the Central State Office for Croats outside Croatia said in a press release.
He said the government was determined to resolve all outstanding issues obstructing relations, primarily with regard to obtaining citizenship and the right to vote, and enhancing cooperation in culture, education, and the nurturing of the Croatian language and the shared historic and cultural heritage.
Central State Office state secretary Zvonko Milas said the Council for Croats Outside Croatia was set up to review the status of the Croatian people in Croatia and abroad every year and conclude "what we wish to achieve in the period ahead."
Grbesic said the relationship between Croatia and Croats abroad could be advanced only when "everyone here today... directs all their forces towards the common goal."
Four Council vice presidents were also elected for a four-year term, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Switzerland and Australia. The Council comprises nine representatives of Croats in BiH, 17 representatives of the Croatian minority in neighbouring and other European countries, and 29 representatives of Croatian emigrants.