Our countries cooperate well and this is evident also in their positions on many international issues, which are virtually identical and are based on respect for international law and promotion of stability and peace, Yiorgos Lillikas of Cyprus told the press after meeting Croatian Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.
Croatia and Cyprus wish to incite the signing of new political and economic agreements to create a climate that will attract business people from both countries and encourage them to invest, establish joint companies, intensify trade and cooperation in tourism, the two minister said.
Grabar-Kitarovic said Croatia had a surplus in trade with Cyprus, which last year amounted to US$47 million, of which $44 million were Croatian exports, mainly vessels.
Croatian-Cypriot cooperation is also excellent in multilateral bodies and organisations, notably the UN. Four Croatian soldiers and three police are participating in the peace mission on Cyprus, Grabar-Kitarovic recalled, adding that in September 2005 they were awarded by the UN for exemplary and professional work.
Cyprus has been supporting Croatia's accession to the European Union from the start and expects Croatia to join before the end of this decade, said Lillikas, adding that his country was willing to cooperate with Croatian authorities.
Grabar-Kitarovic said Croatia was interested in cohesion and structural funds, which it would be able to use upon joining the Union, given Cyprus' success in using and implementing them.
Lillikas said he would like to welcome Grabar-Kitarovic in Cyprus after Croatian President Stjepan Mesic's visit in June.
Good bilateral relations are also reflected in the fact that Croatia has opened the consulate general in Nikosia and Cyprus one in Zagreb.