ROK-Croatia FMs` Meeting

Acting Foreign Minister Shin Kak-soo held a bilateral meeting and luncheon with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Jandrokovic, who is in Korea on a visit, on September 6. During the meeting and luncheon, the two sides discussed ways to promote bilateral trade and investment; cultural exchange; and substantive cooperation in construction, infrastructure and various other fields. They also exchanged in-depth views on the regional situation and international issues. Taking note of steady development of Korea-Croatia ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the two sides expressed hope that the two countries, which will mark their 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2012, will see their cooperation further enhanced in a wide range of fields, including politics, economy and culture. Foreign Minister Jandrokovic, in particular, voiced expectation for Korean firms to take interest and participate in his country’s projects involving shipyard privatization, modernization of the Port of Rijeka and railroad construction. Acting Minister Shin anticipated negotiations on Croatia’s accession to the EU to progress smoothly, expediting Croatia’s entry into the EU. He added that Croatia’s accession to the EU would hopefully lead to increased cooperation not only between Korea and Croatia but also between Korea and the EU. He also explained the current situation on the Korean peninsula as well as developments in the Six-party Talks, followed by a request for Croatia’s constant support for Korean policies on North Korea.