ARGENTINA 12 - 14 MARCH - CHILE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NEWSLETTER
of the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
ARGENTINA
12 - 14 MARCH
CHILE
15 - 18 MARCH
BRAZIL
19 - 20 MARCH
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
www.president.hr / 02
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
4-51 STATE VISITS
Turkey 04
Slovenia 06
Bosnia and Herzegovina 07
President of Serbia 13
President of Malta 20
Argentina 24
Chile 34
Brazil 40
Bulgaria 43
President of Finland 45
Macedonia 48
52-55 GLOBAL AGENDA
International Committee of the Red Cross 52
Foreign Minister of Iran 53
Foreign Minister of Algeria 54
State Minister of Qatar 55
56-58 SECURITY COOPERATION
NATO 56
Brdo-Brijuni Process Leaders’ Meeting 57
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
www.president.hr / 03
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
COOPERATION WITH
59-65 NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
President of Albania 59
Bosnia and Herzegovina 60
President of Montenegro 62
Mostar – Trilateral Meeting 63
Foreign Minister Romania 65
66-70 EUROPEAN UNION
Vice-President of European Commission
Maroš Šefčovič 66
Vice-President of European Commission
Andrus Ansip 67
Europe Capital of Culture Rijeka 2020 68
Vice-President of European Commission
Jyrki Katainen 70
71 SENSE CROATIA
Ilok 71
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 04
President on Working Visit to
Republic of Turkey
ANKARA, 9 January trade and investments. President Erdoğan’s visit to
Zagreb enhanced our relations and I look forward to our
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda future meetings. Last year trade amounted to a mere
Grabar-Kitarović is on a one-day working visit to the 350 million euros and I remember you stating that we
Republic of Turkey. With Turkish President Recep must reach a billion euros in trade and I believe this is
Tayyip Erdoğan, she discussed strengthening bilateral feasible. Many opportunities are available in tourism
economic relations, stimulating investment, the and we witness a growing number of Turkish tourists,
migrant crisis and relations between Turkey and the but the opportunities are much greater. I therefore take
European Union. this opportunity to invite the Turkish people to visit
Croatia”, the Croatian President said.
After her working meeting with the President of the
Republic of Turkey, President Grabar-Kitarović stated She referred to the state of affairs in Bosnia and
that the visit, albeit a working one, is worthwhile Herzegovina. “I am grateful that you are aware of
because of the further development of relations the need for Croatia and Turkey to pursue their role
between Turkey and Croatia, including topics of interest in promoting processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
for both states. which will bring this country closer to progress in the
interest of its citizens and enable membership in the
“Croatia and Turkey have excellent relations, there European Union”, President Grabar-Kitarović stated.
are no outstanding issues, but there is room for more She underlined the importance of all three constituent
improvement, particularly in the area of the economy, nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the need
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 05
to pursue constitutional reforms that will ensure a economic cooperation is a reflection of good political
prosperous future for Bosnia and Herzegovina and cooperation. Moreover, our cooperation is successful in
enable negotiations to continue with the European the energy sector. We are very proud of our investments
Union as soon as possible. “We are happy to be able to in Croatia and we endorse them as a state, because
provide all the assistance our neighbors need on this they are of joint interest”, the President of the Republic
path”, President Grabar-Kitarović stressed. of Turkey stated.
“Membership in North Atlantic integrations is the path He added that the meeting discussed regional and
for all neighboring countries in South East Europe, and international relations and stressed the importance
Croatia will provide all the help these countries require. of military cooperation. “In this very sensitive period
The agreement reached by the European Union and we will strive to resolve all issues and challenges on
Turkey in 2016 and the fact that Turkey respects the our path. In terms of the fight against terrorism we
agreement indicates that we must resolve the root are in the same geopolitical area. I view this visit as
problems of these issues and ensure a better life. I very worthwhile, productive and successful and it
hope that at my next visit to Turkey I will be able to gave impetus to our relations”, the Turkish President
visit one of the migrant centers”, the President stated. concluded.
She added that the situation in Syria, Iraq and other
countries was also discussed and underlined the need In replying to the question on whether discussions on
to bridge the differences and disagreements so as to Bosnia and Herzegovina made reference to the status
reach lasting peace and security. of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and
what is his position and should changes be made to
“For us the Republic of Croatia is always a very
the electoral law, the Turkish President underlined that
important state and it is in our interest for it to be
the present structure of the government in Bosnia and
strong. Our relations are on a very high level and
Hercegovina is regulated by the Dayton agreement.
are further developing. Turkey is surely interested
“In a specific way it is an internal matter of Bosnia and
in a harmonious development of economic, political
Herzegovina. We will initiate an advisory mechanism by
and other relations in all areas”, Turkish President
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said following his meeting with a meeting between our foreign ministers, followed by
President Grabar-Kitarović. a meeting of the heads of all three states at which we
will examine which steps can be taken”, the Turkish
“By connecting within Europe there are common President stated. He added that Croatia and Turkey are
goals to which we aspire and they are reflected in our only mediators in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it is
bilateral relations and in our economic ties and our “too early to comment on the possible outcome”.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 06
President of the Republic on
Working Visit to Slovenia
BRDO NEAR KRANJ, 13 January Process, where they can help their neighbors with their
experience to get closer to European integrations.
The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
Thanking President Pahor for his hospitality and wishing
and Italian President Sergio Matarella were guests of him and his family, the Slovenian people all the best,
Slovenian President Borut Pahor at a formal official the Croatian President said that gatherings such as
luncheon he hosted in Brdo near Kranj on the occasion the one today are important and that it is necessary to
of the beginning of his second presidential term. The encourage dialogue.
Croatian and Slovenian Presidents held a brief tête-à-
In greeting the high guests, President Pahor stated that
tête meeting on relations between the two states.
each state’s foreign policy is built on good-neighborly
President Grabar-Kitarović stated that the very good relations and cooperation, which is the primary interest
overall relations of two friendly states, members of of neighboring states and peoples. Therefore, it is
the European Union and NATO allies should not be necessary to seek solutions for all issues, and stick to
overshadowed by outstanding issues that could be them when they are found, the Slovenian President
solved through dialogue and in mutual respect. said.
With a frank and friendly dialogue outstanding issues Problems are caused by people, all problems are
can be solved and I am confident that our states are solvable, and the example that issues can be solved
more than able, the President stated in Brdo near should be given by politicians, President Pahor said
Kranj. She underlined the important role of Slovenia among other things highlighting the “Mediterranean
and Croatia as members of the European Union in dimension” of today’s meeting, and thanked his guests
the broader environment within the Brdo-Brijuni for the good wishes.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 07
President of the Republic
on Official Visit to Bosnia
and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO, 17 January neighboring states. There is no country more important
than Bosnia and Herzegovina to develop such relations.
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda
In view of the fact that the Republic of Croatia shares a
Grabar-Kitarović began her official visit to Bosnia
border of 1001 kilometers with Bosnia and Herzegovina,
and Herzegovina by meeting with members of the with its Constitution and as state signatory of the
Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina after which the Washington and guarantor of the implementation of
Croatian President and the Chairman of the Presidency the Dayton Accords, it is obliged to carefully monitor
of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dragan Čović made a public processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in a friendly
statement. way indicate eventual challenges it notices. This can in
no way be interpreted as meddling in the internal affairs
Address by the President of the Republic of Croatia: of a neighboring state because the Republic of Croatia
starts from and advocates the fundamental principles
“My first duty is to defend the interests of the Republic of on which Bosnia and Herzegovina was established, and
Croatia and the national interests of the Croatian people. not individual solutions. It is up to the leaders of Bosnia
However, I also have a duty to build peace and relations and Herzegovina to assume the obligation to ensure its
of cooperation and friendship with all states, first of all better future, which it decided to achieve through the
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 08
transformational model of membership in the European this moment, it is imperative to ensure that after the fall
Union. elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina will ensure the full
operation of its institutions, that they do not end in their
In this respect, Bosnia and Herzegovina is specific because paralysis and dysfunctioning, such as the present state of
of the basis of equality of its constituent nations and affairs in the City of Mostar. An agreement on reform of
ensuring equality of all its citizens, particularly members election legislation that should ensure the implementation
of various minorities. Many people in the world have of the decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and
difficulty in understanding this, or do not wish to, and Herzegovina, the judgement of the European Court of
therefore resort to simplifying matters. Some, on the Human Rights in the Sejdić-Finci case, in accordance with
other hand, wish to mask these foundations of Bosnia respect for the equality and constitutionality of all three
and Herzegovina and place emphasis on one of these two nations, and following the fundamental principles of the
elements. Dayton and Washington Accords, is presently the primary
By applying for membership and its acceptance by the challenge. Political courage and wisdom is required in this
European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina accepted matter.
monitoring of ensuing commitments. The Republic of I wish that Bosnia and Herzegovina will achieve its
Croatia passed this path and we know quite well how development potential and, as President of the closest
demanding it is. Therefore, trusting the sincerity of state to you and member of the European Union, I am
the commitment made by state bodies of Bosnia and prepared to provide all further possible support. Bosnia
Herzegovina for membership in the European Union, we and Herzegovina did not, does not and will not have a
wish to offer Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a neighboring greater advocate for its European path than the Republic
country, a state of three constituent nations and of Croatia. The same goes for cooperation with the North
homeland of the Croatian people, all the necessary Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Membership Action Plan
assistance in order for it to achieve it as soon and as where there is consensus.
effectively as possible.
I am certain that we share the conviction that in order to
There are perhaps no states in the world more oriented achieve this goal, cooperation in all areas between our two
to each other; historically, economically, in terms of states is of prime importance. The stability and dynamic
transportation, culturally, as our two states. Moreover, development prospects of Bosnia and Herzegovina are also
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the state and homeland of the important for the Republic of Croatia and for all of South
Croatian people as well. My concern for its well-being, to East Europe. In this context, the prospect of membership
which I am bound by my duties and my feelings, but also of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union is of first
by adhering to the letter of the Washington and Dayton class political, economic, cultural and security importance.
accords, is part of my wish for the well-being of all nations The achievement of full equality for Croats in Bosnia and
and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina regardless of faith Herzegovina is an unavoidable part of this path.
or nationality.
I am confident that indeed the Croats in Bosnia and
Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina are its constituent Herzegovina are the strongest generator in the process of
people who, by consuming their sovereign rights, want European integrations and that it is the pledge of further
nothing else but peace and equality with Bosniaks and development of interstate relations between Croatia and
Serbs. Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina were not and will Bosnia and Herzegovina and their joint progress.”
not be a national minority. And they do not deserve to be
considered as such by anyone and they will not allow it. The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
For centuries Croats have lived, live and will continue to Dragan Čović thanked the Croatian President for her help.
live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia will always be
with them. Linking with Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Thank you for everything you have done. I am
supporting their return and their stay, preserving their confident that all you have done thus far was aimed at
equality is the strategic interest of the Republic of Croatia. strengthening relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina
and the Republic of Croatia. I think that we need to
By supporting the equality of Croats in Bosnia and continue to work on strengthening our relations.
Herzegovina I express at the same time full support for
the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in every phase I encourage you to help us further, as you have done so
of its development, a better life for all its citizens. At far, as a true friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to arrange
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 09
our internal relations by ourselves”, the Chairman of the The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dragan Čović Dragan Čović stated that his country, unfortunately, still
stated. does not have a foreign policy strategy and, therefore, this
is why problems such as the construction of the Pelješac
Speaking about the beginning of construction of the bridge arise where each party in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Pelješac bridge, President Grabar-Kitarović confirmed that interprets state interests in different ways.
there are no obstacles to the beginning of construction
and underlined that it is an important development project He said that he has no doubt that the Pelješac bridge is
for Croatia, and at the same time in no way jeopardizes a justified project that will be beneficial to Bosnia and
the interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Herzegovina, primarily to the town of Neum. “Neum is
a strategic interest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also
She explained that she reported to the members of of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We
the Bosnia and Herzegovina state leadership, on the want it to remain a tourist “pearl”, and for this reason the
contents of the letter that the President of the European Pelješac bridge is also a strategic interest of Bosnia and
Commission Jean-Claude Juncker sent to the Prime Herzegovina”, Mr. Čović stated.
Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković in
which it is clearly indicated that, from the viewpoint In response to a reporter’s question whether the issue
of the European Union, there are no obstacles to the of the election law was discussed in the meeting with
construction of the Pelješac bridge. members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
President Grabar-Kitarović stated: “Yes, it was discussed.
She stated that the construction of the bridge is first of all We want not only entity authorities, but also state
an issue of connecting the Croatian territory and that of authorities to be formed. But we did not go deep into
the European Union, an issue that has unnecessarily been details of the elements of the election legislation. We
transformed into a bilateral issue between Croatia and want problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be resolved,
Bosnia and Herzegovina. She underlined the significance but we do not wish to impose solutions. Solutions must
of the construction of the bridge for the development of be agreed upon by the three members of the Presidency of
Pelješac which would be an advantage for the town of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Neum as well.
“The Pelješac bridge is simply an internal development
issue for Croatia and there is no hostile intention and I
hope that we will ultimately clear this up and close this
outstanding issue”, the President stated.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 10
Working Meetings in Bosnia
and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO, 17 January Denis Zvizdić. In the focus of discussions were efforts
to complete the European Commission’s questionnaire
The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović that Bosnia and Herzegovina must complete so as to be
met with members of both Houses of the Parliamentary granted the status of candidate for membership in the
Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and with the Chair Union.
of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina
President Grabar-Kitarović and the international
Denis Zvizdić.
community’s High Representative in Bosnia and
Subsequently, President Grabar-Kitarović held separate Herzegovina Valentin Inzko agreed that it is imperative
working meetings with the Archbishop of Vrhbosna for political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach
Cardinal Vinko Puljić, the High Representative of the agreement on changes to the election law in order
international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina that a new government be formed after the October
Valentin Inzko and with the Association of Mothers of elections. Following the meeting, High Representative
Srebrenica. Inzko said that in addition to the problem of changes
to the election law, they considered other challenges
The Croatian President discussed European integration lying ahead for Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to
processes of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the Chair European integrations where Croatia can help with its
of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina experience.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 11
In the scope of her official visit to Bosnia and Vrhbosna stated after his meeting with the Croatian
Herzegovina, the Croatian President met with the President.
Archbishop of Vrhbosna Cardinal Vinko Puljić who
informed her on the state of affairs of the Catholic At the end of the first day of her official visit to Bosnia
Church in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croats who are and Herzegovina, President Grabar-Kitarović met
majority Catholic. After the meeting, Cardinal Puljić with representatives of the Association of Mothers
said that conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be of Srebrenica. The Association’s representatives paid
stabilized because there is a threat that large numbers tribute to the Croatian President for her support,
of people will leave because of the unsafe environment. emphasizing that there is no misunderstanding between
He added that President Grabar-Kitarović’s visit will them. During their meeting, they also discussed plans
help improve conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. to hold a conference in 2018 with students of six states
“One has to love this country and fight for it, but we of the former Yugoslavia where there would be talk of
cannot build it if someone considers himself privileged. the genocide in Srebrenica.
We live here and want to survive”, the Archbishop of
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 12
President Visits
Central Bosnia
18 January In Ahmići the President paid homage to the Bosniaks
killed in an attack in April 1993 by the HVO (Croatian
The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović Defence Council), and in Križančevo Selo to the victims
spent the second day of her official visit to Bosnia of an attack by the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina in
December 1993, where 44 Croats were killed.
and Herzegovina by touring the production line of
“Palavra” d.o.o company and the Croatian hospital “Dr The President’s message was that after all, one should
fra Mato Nikolić” in Nova Bila. Subsequently, she met look to the future and enhance relations, not only
with municipal leaders and the chairs of the municipal between Croats and Bosniaks, but between all citizens
councils of Central Bosnia. of Central Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After visiting Nova Bila and the local hospital where
Just prior to her visit to Nova Bila, the President
paid her respects to the war victims of Ahmići and a new wing is under construction with the financial
Križančevo Selo in Central Bosnia. “In places of assistance of Croatia of 1.5 million kunas, the Croatian
reverence such as these, I like to come in silence, pay president met with representatives of municipalities
homage to the victims and contemplate about the past of Central Bosnia. She subsequently said that she
and the future of good relations, and not only with is pleased to see progress in this part of Bosnia and
Bosnia and Herzegovina”, the President stated. Herzegovina.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 13
Official Visit of President
of Republic of Serbia to
Republic of Croatia
ZAGREB, 12 February After the talks the Croatian President indicated that
the visit has been in the works for months. „I wanted
The President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar it to take place in better circumstances. Following the
Vučić is on a two-day visit to the Republic of Croatia last escalation of the war of words, I decided to end it
at the invitation of the President of the Republic of and invited Mr. Vučić for a visit as soon as possible. I
Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. The official visit of would like to thank him for accepting“, she stated.
the President of the Republic of Serbia started with
an official welcoming ceremony at the Office of the Our obligation is to find common ground. We have
President of the Republic of Croatia, a tête-à-tête to solve that which divides us, but also find a way
meeting of the two presidents and a bilateral meeting to the future that will ensure security and prosperity
of the official delegations of the Republic of Croatia both to the Croatian and Serbian peoples, and to both
and the Republic of Serbia. states. What particularly connects us is the common
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 14
responsibility for the future of South East Europe“, whole. Credit has to be given where credit is due“, she
President Grabar-Kitarović indicated. said.
„We essentially agreed on several outstanding issues, „The third item we spoke about are legal issues“,
that they represent not only our political and state President Grabar-Kitarović said and added that
responsibility, but also our human, moral, ethical they agreed to recommend to their Governments to
responsibility toward the citizens of our states, families, continue discussions within the framework of interstate
mothers, all those who are searching for members of commissions. „The border issue is certainly one of
their families, to do what is humanly possible, in order the outstanding issues, our recommendation to our
to assist in the process of resolving the issue of missing Governments is to continue talks on a bilateral level, for
persons as soon as possible“, the Croatian President two more years, in the spirit of mutual friendship and
said. She added that she is encouraged by President respect, respect for the Charter of the United Nations,
Vučić’s responsibility, will and readiness to speak principles of international law, and should an agreement
directly to representatives of Croatian associations of on border issues not be reached within that time period,
missing persons. then we will discuss having recourse to an international
legal institution“, the Croatian President stated.
Furthermore, she indicated that they addressed the
issue of minorities – the Croatian minority in Serbia and Referring to the border issue, the Serbian President said
the Serbian minority in Croatia. „Our wish is political that Croatia and Serbia have differing views. „Croatia
representation of Croats in provincial and national has recourse to land registry books, while Serbia has
assemblies“, the President underlined. She is confident recourse to the law and feels that the law is a more
that President Vučić will have follow-up talks with powerful legal act than land registry books of any unit
representatives of the Croatian minority in Serbia in of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia“,
order for them to achieve their rights. he said. „We will try to solve this issue bilaterally in the
next two years. If that will not be possible, then we can
President Grabar-Kitarović also referred to the Subotica resort to arbitration“, he emphasized.
Declaration. „Every step in good will, every discussion
are a step forward, positive and welcome. After signing He announced that next week he will meet with the
the Subotica Declaration I have to thank President President of the Democratic Alliance of Croats in
Vučić for concrete actions taken to improve the Vojvodina Tomislav Žigmanov and representatives of
material situation of Croats in Vojvodina and Serbia as a associations of missing persons from Croatia. He said
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 15
that he spoke with President Grabar-Kitarović on the Cardinal Josip Bozanić today. The Serbian Church gave
minority issue and on what can be done for the Croatian me its blessing and said that this is very important.
minority in Serbia and what the Croatian side can do for
the Serbian minority. „A significant part of the problem Regarding the past, we practically did not agree on
of the Croatian minority in Serbia has been resolved“, anything. It is difficult to find something on which we
President Vučić said. He is confident that after this can agree or understand. If nothing else, we understood
meeting improving the rights of members of the Serbian that the other side has a completely different view of
minority in Croatia will be on the agenda and that a things and events. I think that for the future of our
great deal will be accomplished. peoples, good work was done with today’s meeting.
I think that the future is something where we do not
„We spoke of Serbia’s European path. We have good have opposite interests of any sorts. This will force
transboundary cooperation, but I think that much more us to be more responsible and serious, if for nothing
can be done in this area. We spoke of our economic else, then for the sake of our children and generations
cooperation. It has been growing in recent years. that do not have to act like we did“, said Vučić among
Serbian and Croatian businesses are finding ways“, others. He presented to President Grabar-Kitarović
Vučić said. documents from the municipality of Dvor na Uni taken
to Serbia after Operation Storm in 1995. They consist of
„We agreed to encourage dialogue between our birth, death and marriage registers from that area.
churches – the Serbian Orthodox Church and the
Catholic Church in Croatia. In this sense I will speak to
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 16
Croatian-Serbian
Economic Forum
ZAGREB, 12 February development of constructive relations. These political
relations are important and can help both economies”,
In the scope of the official visit of the President of she said and added that improving political relations is
the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić to Croatia, important to strengthen the economy.
a Croatian-Serbian economic forum was held at the
She indicated that there is potential for cooperation
Croatian Chamber of Economy.
in industry, construction, energy, agriculture, tourism
The forum assembled representatives of approximately 40 and transportation, highlighting cooperation on the
companies from both states. The areas that can contribute revitalization of the Zagreb – Vinkovci – Tovarnik – Šid –
to improving economic relations mentioned were: Belgrade railway.
energy, the chemical and metal processing industries,
The President announced that the first meeting of the
transportation and petroleum products, fabrication
joint committee for the promotion and stimulation of
of locomotives and railroad cars, agriculture, tourism,
economic cooperation should be held in March in Zagreb.
construction and information technology.
That meeting would discuss as well issues of property law
President Grabar-Kitarović underlined that the joint and property restitution because, as she stated, they are
interest of both states is to explore new business equally a weight on business subjects on both sides of the
opportunities and strengthen relations. “I clearly wish border. “I would put this as top priority in the economic
to confirm the Croatian state’s dedication to the cooperation of both states,” she stated.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 17
President Grabar-Kitarović is hopeful that the Republic “Notwithstanding the burden of the past, Croatia and
of Serbia will further be open to Croatian investments, Serbia have and will always have economic interests”,
but her wish is that investments be stimulated in both the President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy
directions. She called upon Serbian businesspeople to Luka Burilović indicated. Serbia is a significant economic
invest more in Croatia. “The Croatian state welcomes all partner for Croatia which is confirmed by the fact that
Serbian companies that wish to invest in Croatia and do more than 200 Croatian companies do business on the
business with Croatian companies. I believe that Croatia Serbian market. This resulted in direct Croatian foreign
offers many concessions such as entry onto the huge investments in Serbia valued at more than 749.3 million
European Union market, the President said. euros, making Serbia the 4th most significant country for
Croatian exports, the Chamber President said.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić thanked her for inviting
Serbian companies to invest in Croatia which was not the He announced that the Croatian Chamber of Economy will
case in the past. It is important that Croatian investors open a branch in Belgrade, and that it will provide office
who do business in Serbia can always turn to institutions space to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
in Serbia, and I hope that the same will be true for Serbian to open its branch so as to allow economic relations to
investors in Croatia, Vučić said. improve.
He stressed that trade between the two states is greater The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
than ever and in the past five years it has grown by 62 of Serbia Marko Čadež, in possession of data that some
percent. “This demonstrates that we are oriented to one 40 companies are present at the forum that employ
another and I think that there is huge potential for future approximately 40,000 people and export one billion euros,
development”, he stated. He told Croatian entrepreneurs stated that this big business is interested in improved
they are welcome in Serbia and that a number of cooperation. “Our goal is to raise investments to a higher
infrastructure projects are planned for which Serbia does level and consolidate our companies because it is an issue
not have the capacities, and that this is an opportunity for of survival, without that we will not be competitive”, he
Croatian companies as well. stated, and added that the choice is simple – “we will
either be small and non-competitive, or we will join forces
President Vučić also underlined the importance of and export”.
cooperation on the revitalization of the Zagreb – Belgrade
railway and the removal of bureaucratic and border
barriers because economic cooperation would thus be
strengthened.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 18
Presidents of Croatia and
Serbia at Serbian National
Council’s Great Assembly
ZAGREB, 13 February for lasting dialogue and cooperation that will not be
disrupted by occasional excesses and incidents”.
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda
She underlined that it is primarily in the interest of
Grabar-Kitarović and the President of the Republic of bilateral relations, but in the interest of successful
Serbia Aleksandar Vučić attended the Serbian National political and economic processes in South East
Council’s Great Assembly held at Vatroslav Lisinski Europe as an area of peace, stability, cooperation and
concert hall. development as well. “I wish to believe that in the past
few days we strengthened elements for achieving this
President Grabar-Kitarović stated in her address that goal. The coming days, I hope, will illustrate this by
President Vučić’s visit is “an expression of our joint means of tangible and measurable results, for the well-
conviction that, despite the many differences that being of both Croats and Serbs, for the well-being of
are onerous, we have the obligation to set elements the states of Serbia and Croatia”.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 19
She reminded that Croatia since its independence has He announced that he will soon extend an invitation
been working on improving rights and living conditions to President Grabar-Kitarović to visit Serbia. “She will
for the Serbian minority through special laws and in be able to demonstrate to the Croatian public and
many practical ways, especially for repatriates. “Our people the results of her invitation to me, all that has
task is to make this fact more recognizable in everyday been done for members of the Croatian community in
life. As a Croat and as Croatian President I want the Serbia”, he stated.
same for Croats in Serbia. Therefore, this lasting frank
dialogue between Croatia and Serbia is of greatest We will try hard to get them the lectorate they
importance. This is the path to the future we want requested, to have their representatives in
for our countries and nations, and in itself the best municipalities and provincial administration as well
obstacle to prevent new tragedies that have cost our as to have greater representation in Belgrade, in the
two peoples so dearly”. government and everywhere. We will not hide that from
the Serbian public. Their better life will mean greater
“This region rests on peace between the Serbian security for all of you here in Croatia”, the President of
and Croatian nations and there is no relation more the Republic of Serbia said.
important than this one. Therefore, the Republic of
Serbia will invest all its efforts to maintain peace with “I promise that the voice of Croats and Croatia will be
Croatia, the Croatian people, to invest in stability, but heard in Serbia and we will do our best to understand
to preserve our identity as well”, President Vučić said their needs and wishes, but we will also seek to help
in his address at the Serbian National Council’s Great Serbs in Croatia and in other areas as much as possible
Assembly. to preserve their identity, language and Cyrillic script”,
President Vučić stated.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 20
President of Republic of
Malta on Return State Visit
ZAGREB, 26 February “As Croatian President, I would like our citizens to
remain in Croatia, but at the same time our duty is
The President of the Republic of Malta Marie-Louise to fight for their equality within institutions of the
Coleiro Preca is on a two-day return state visit to the European Union and within member states”, the
President underlined.
Republic of Croatia on the invitation of the President of
the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. A state with a population of roughly 450 thousand,
Malta recorded last year a GDP growth of 5.5 percent,
The state visit began with an official welcoming and the European Commission has predicted an even
ceremony at the Office of the President of the Republic, stronger growth of 7.2 percent for this year. The
and following the tête-à-tête of the two presidents, President of the Republic of Malta highlighted that her
a bilateral meeting was held between the official country records nearly full employment and that a large
delegations of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic number of European citizens are already working on its
of Malta focusing on themes of economic and security territory.
cooperation.
The meeting of the two presidents is a follow-up to last
“Malta has just informed the European Council that all year’s visit of the President of the Republic of Croatia
restrictions to Croatian citizens for access to labour to Malta and President Coleiro Preca arrived in Zagreb
markets in Malta have been rescinded”, President accompanied by a large business delegation mostly
Grabar-Kitarović announced after the bilateral meeting. from construction, tourism and high tech companies,
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 21
recycling and representatives of Air Malta. “I hope that presiding over the European Union where it proved that
in the near future we will discuss the establishment “the size of a country is not important, but rather the
of direct flights between the two states”, President size of an idea”.
Grabar-Kitarović stated, adding that there is an increase
of Maltese tourists visiting Croatia. The President considers that relations with Malta are
also essential for “strengthening the Mediterranean
I am pleasantly surprised that there is an interest of dimension of Croatian foreign policy”. “I keep saying
Maltese businessmen to do business with Croatia, that Croatia must make a breakthrough outside its
and there is great potential here”, the Croatian region of South East Europe and contribute not only to
President remarked. Cooperation between both states the development of the European Union and NATO, but
has potential particularly in the maritime sector, also to the bordering areas that are so important for
from maritime transportation to fishing and to the our security, and that is the area of the Mediterranean,
preservation of fish stocks, President Grabar-Kitarović North Africa and the Middle East. Croatia and Malta
underlined. She stressed that the Croatian ports of are facing the same challenges, especially regarding
Rijeka and Ploče are available for Malta to export its migrations which we discussed in great detail”,
goods to the European market. President Grabar-Kitarović concluded.
The Croatian President highlighted that Croatia, in the
first half of 2020, will learn from last year’s Malta’s
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 22
Croatia-Malta Economic
Forum
ZAGREB, 26 February President Grabar-Kitarović indicated that within the
framework of the European Union Croatia and Malta
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda recognized mutual themes and initiatives aimed at the
Grabar-Kitarović and the President of the Republic sea and maritime affairs. “In the scope of integrated
of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca addressed maritime policies, we advocate economic growth,
increasing competitiveness of the European maritime
participants at the Croatia-Malta Economic Forum economy and especially employment and development
organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy and in a sustainable and ecologically acceptable way”,
the two presidents were present at the signing of a President Grabar-Kitarović stated.
Memorandum of Cooperation between the Croatian
The tourist sector, the Croatian President stated, is
Chamber of Economy and the Malta Chamber of
important for society, development and employment in
Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. both states, and one should keep in mind that European
tourism is facing increasing challenges, from political
At the Croatia-Malta Economic Forum, business
in the sense of terrorism and migrations, followed by
meetings were held between some eighty
economic and ecological.
representatives of Croatian and Maltese companies
including construction, tourism, furniture, She reminded that Croatian Minister of Tourism Gari
transportation, energy, environment protection and Cappelli initiated the establishment of a European
business consulting sectors.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 23
Tourism Fund and a Working Group for Tourism within She indicated that representatives of the national
European Union institutions. These initiatives would airline Air Malta also travelled to Zagreb with the
facilitate utilization of European funding for investment purpose of exploring opportunities for cooperation
and sustainable development in tourism, reduce climate with Croatia Airlines which would, President Coleiro
change impacts, education and other areas important Preca believes, serve as a catalyst for the development
for the development of European tourism which was of tourism and greater numbers of visitors to both
endorsed among the first by the Maltese Minister of countries.
Tourism Konrad Mizzi.
The President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy
President Grabar-Kitarović is confident that this Luka Barilović stated that economic cooperation
initiative would stimulate tourist and investment between the two countries has not been satisfactory
cooperation and greater development of Croatian- for some time. Therefore, he emphasized that after the
Maltese economic ties. She feels that Malta could fall in trade, both during the 2008 crisis and particularly
become an interesting partner for Croatia for access in 2016, he is pleased with the 112 percent increase in
to third states, especially countries of North Africa the first eleven months of last year.
and the Middle East, while on the other hand, Croatia
can provide the ports of Rijeka and Ploče for Maltese The President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce,
exports to states of Central and South East Europe. “I Trade and Industry Frank Farrugia remarked that he
maintain that by benefiting of these advantages, our shares the mutual ambition for the further development
trade could strengthen and this would be beneficial for of cooperation between Croatia and Malta whereby the
both sides”, President Grabar-Kitarović concluded. signing of the memorandum between the two chambers
represents a new chapter. Due to economic expansion
The President of the Republic of Malta Coleiro Preca and full employment, Farrugia stated that the Maltese
indicated that great potential exists for economic economy provides opportunities for the employment of
cooperation between Croatia and Malta and that, with Croatian citizens. In this regard he mentioned sectors
joint efforts, trade should be diversified and the scope such as financial services, health care, information
of mutual trade increased. In the case of Malta, she technology followed by construction and real estate
mentioned sectors such as pharmaceuticals, precision sectors and of course tourism.
engineering, engineering, mechanical equipment as well
as plastic products, development of software and toys.
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 24
Official Visit of President of
the Republic to Argentine
Republic
BUENOS AIRES, 12 March The President stressed that a large Croatian community
lives in the Argentine Republic, numbering from
The official visit of the President of the Republic of 200,000 to 250,000 and that they have been very
Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović began with a formal active in the development of Argentinean society in the
fields of economics and culture and that they are an
welcoming ceremony and a bilateral meeting with the
important link in the relations between the Republic of
President of the Argentine Republic, Mauricio Macri.
Croatia and the Argentine Republic.
During the meeting, the President of the Republic of Bilateral relations between Croatia and Argentina
Croatia noted that the last official visit took place in
were assessed to be friendly and good, and it was
1994 when the first Croatian President Franjo Tuđman
visited Argentina and that there were no official visits agreed that there are no open issues between the
at the Presidential level since then. President Grabar- two countries. It was evaluated that there is plenty of
Kitarović took the opportunity during the meeting to room for improvement of bilateral relations, especially
invite the President of the Argentine Republic for a in economic relations. Taking into consideration the
return visit to the Republic of Croatia. President Macri mutual potential and interest as well as the great
accepted the invitation with gratitude. potential of the Croatian community in Argentina,
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 25
President Grabar-Kitarović suggested areas of Croatia Zdravka Bušić and Daniel Raimondi, Deputy
opportunity for strengthening and developing economic Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Argentine
cooperation such as the chemical and pharmaceutical Republic.
industries, mechanical engineering, wood industry and
furniture industry, food industry, military industry, On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding
shipbuilding, tourism and the IT industry, highlighting in was signed between the Diplomatic Academy of the
particular the possibility of using Croatian ports for the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic
export of Argentinean products to the European market. of Croatia and the National Institute of Foreign Affairs
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the
Cooperation between the European Union and the Argentine Republic in the field of Diplomatic education
Argentine Republic was also discussed in the context and training.
of the negotiations for the conclusion of the Free
Trade Agreement between the European Union and Within the Program of the Official Visit the President
Mercosur (common South American Market) and the of the Republic of Croatia also met with the Vice
importance of the accession of the two countries President of the Argentine Republic and Senate Speaker
to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Gabriela Michetti and discussed the large Croatian
Development (OECD). community in Argentina and mutually agreed that
they are an important link between the two countries.
President Grabar-Kitarović welcomed Argentina’s President Grabar-Kitarović mentioned that the work
Presidency of the G20 this year, as well as the role of of the Croatian language teachers at the Universities
Buenos Aires as the host of the 2018 Summer Youth of Buenos Aires and Rosario greatly contributes not
Olympic Games and EXPO Exhibition in 2023. only to the preservation of the Croatian language in
the Croatian community, but also contributes to the
After meeting with President Macri, President Grabar- greater visibility of Croatian culture in the Argentine
Kitarović, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Republic. The President announced the re-opening of
and Worship of Argentina, Jorge Marcelo Faurie, the Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Rosario and
attended the signing of the Cultural Cooperation invited the Argentine Republic to participate together
Program between the Republic of Croatia and the with the Republic of Croatia in scientific research
Argentine Republic for the period 2018-2021. The projects that Croatia has with the European Union.
Program was signed by State Secretary of the Ministry
of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 26
Argentina-Croatia Economic
& Business Forum
BUENOS AIRES, 13 March amounted to $26 million, which is less than 0.1%
of total Argentine commodity exchange, and in the
As part of the official visit of the President of the first eleven months of 2017 there was a significant
fall in trade. In this regard, she said that the stated
Republic of Croatia to the Argentine Republic, an
information clearly indicates that we have a lot of room
Argentina-Croatia Economic & Business Forum was for expanding cooperation and improving economic
held in Buenos Aires, where President Grabar-Kitarović relations.
and Argentina’s Foreign Minister Jorge Marcelo Faurie
addressed the participants. President Grabar-Kitarović mentioned in her address
the geographical position of Croatia which she believes
Expressing satisfaction with yesterday’s bilateral is at the intersection of Western and South Eastern
meeting with the President of the Argentine Republic Europe and is very favourable for transport, so she
Macri, President Grabar-Kitarović said that they will urged Argentine exporters to use all the advantages
both make an effort to bring the economic relations and capacities of the Croatian ports when exporting to
between Argentina and Croatia to a higher level of Europe.
political relations. “In that spirit, I see my visit to the
Argentine Republic,” said the Croatian President. The President expressed her full support for Argentine
investments in the Croatian economy and the readiness
She said that the level of trade between Croatia and to pursue mutually beneficial investments. Stressing
Argentina was insufficiently developed and at a very that, a great potential for strengthening and developing
modest level, and that we cannot be satisfied with economic cooperation is seen in the large Croatian
its total amount. The total commodity trade in 2016 emigrant community in Argentina. She also stated
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 27
that she was very proud of the many Croatians who “I believe that Croatia’s EU membership has contributed
significantly contributed to the cultural and economic to the improved visibility and overall image of Croatian
development of Argentina. Many of whom were products, and that the intensity of trade of our states
awarded the “Distinguished Emigrant” award given by will increase as well as the interest of Argentine
the State Office for Migration of the Ministry of the companies for the establishment of cooperation,”
Interior of Argentina. President Grabar-Kitarović said. She expressed hope
that the Agreement on Association between the
Furthermore, to improve business relations between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Brazil,
two countries, as well as to preserve and develop the Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) which includes a Free
links between Croats at home and abroad the President Trade Agreement will contribute to this. Signing the
emphasized the importance of the Argentine-Croatian Agreement will open new opportunities for trade and
Chamber of Commerce (Cámara Argentino Croata de will strengthen economic cooperation.
Industria y Comercio), which gives added value not only
to the economic relations but the overall Croatian and President Grabar-Kitarović concluded by saying that she
Argentinian relations. In this regard, she welcomed the was pleased to see that eighteen Croatian companies
signing of the Agreement on Cooperation between the participated in the Argentina-Croatia Business &
Croatian Chamber of Commerce and the Argentinian- Economic Forum and were prepared to harness their
Croatian Chamber of Commerce (Agreement of products, knowledge, solutions and services for the
Cooperation between the Croatian Chamber of mutual benefit of our societies.
Economy and the Argentinian Croatian Chamber of
Industry and Commerce).
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 28
President Visits Juan Vucetich
Police Academy
LA PLATA, 13 March this occasion by unveiling the memorial plaque. “The
Police Academy in La Plata and the Centre for Forensic
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- Examinations, Research and Expertise of the Croatian
Kitarović visited the Juan Vucetich Police Academy in Police in Zagreb both carry his name, and honour him and
the town of La Plata where, together with the Security his pioneering work in the field of dactyloscopy which is
Minister of the Province of Buenos Aires, Christian used by police and forensic units worldwide.”
Ritonda, unveiled a memorial to Ivan Vucetic, the
inventor of contemporary dactyloscopy. “The path of the life of this truly special man symbolizes
the destiny of so many Croatian emigrants who travelled
During her visit to the Police Academy, the President said the world seeking a better future due to poverty or the lack
that the historical connection between the Croatian and of political freedom or persecution” added the President.
Argentinean people dates back to the mid-18th century, Many of them found a new home and a happier future in
when Croats, for economic and political reasons, sought a Argentina, but just like Ivan Vučetić, they never forgot their
better life in Argentina. Croatian homeland. People like Ivan Vučetić have with their
lives and work built a bridge of close cooperation between
She added that many of them became successful and Argentina and Croatia, and it is up to us to cross this
distinguished members of the community in Argentina, bridge,” concluded President Grabar-Kitarović.
and one of them was Ivan Vučetić, who is honoured on
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 29
Within the program of the Official Visit to the Argentine She told them that they have an important task of
Republic, the President also visited the Croatian Cultural maintaining national affiliation among children and young
Club “Doc Sud” and the “Cristo Rey” school for nuns people, many of whom had never been to the country of
in Buenos Aires. During the meetings, the President their ancestors so she encouraged them to visit Croatia.
expressed gratitude to the nuns for their dedication to
the preservation and development of the community, and On the Square of the Republic of Croatia in Buenos Aires,
stressed that they should be very proud that they have President Grabar-Kitarović laid flowers in front of Josip
been stable and steadfast guardians of our national identity Turkalj’s sculpture “Immigrant Mother.”
for so many years. “
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 30
President Lectures at
Argentine Council for
International Affairs
BUENOS AIRES, 13 March The President stressed that transatlantic relations
have been a guarantee of European security, order,
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda development, prosperity and sustained growth for
Grabar-Kitarović held a lecture at the Argentine decades, and that today, are even more important when
Council for International Relations (CARI) titled “Latin facing new challenges such as the North Korean nuclear
America in the Multidimensional Approach of Croatia’s threat, instability in the Middle East and mass migration.
However, I believe that they are not complete without
Foreign Policy”.
Latin America with which the European Union, the United
States and the entire Western world share common
In her lecture the President said that “Transatlantic
values, interests and political goals.
relations are not complete without Latin America, which
shares common interests, political goals and a common “Relations between the European Union and Latin America
history with the European Union, the United States have been somewhat underestimated in recent years,
and the entire Western world “ advocating for stronger however, in my opinion they are key to completing the
economic ties and cooperation. transatlantic link,” said the President, expressing her
NO 11, MAY 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIAYou can also read
