NATO SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS THREE SEAS INITIATIVE SUMMIT IN WARSAW STATE VISITS TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 25 MAY JULY 2017

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1 NEWSLETTER of the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia NATO SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS 25 MAY 2017 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE SUMMIT IN WARSAW 6-7 JULY 2017 STATE VISITS TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND AUGUST 2017

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS / Three Seas Initiative Australia and New Zealand Security Cooperation Cooperation with Neighboring Countries Global Agenda

3 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 03 Transatlantic Session of the Three Seas Initiative Summit WARSAW, 6 July The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović who is participating at the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative in Warsaw, moderated the Transatlantic session at which the President of the United States of America Donald Trump participated as guest of honor. US President Donald Trump emphasized that the Three Seas Initiative can help in developing energy infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe, mentioning explicitly a floating terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the island of Krk. I congratulate your states for having already commenced key projects that will remove obstacles and improve access to energy markets and better energy connectivity. One of these projects includes a floating LNG terminal on the Croatian island of Krk, said US President Trump speaking at the opening of the Summit in Warsaw, where the leaders of twelve Central and East European countries are meeting. The Summit of the Three Seas Initiative in Warsaw, where President Trump is the guest of honor, is devoted to strengthening concrete trade, infrastructural, energy and political cooperation in the area between the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Seas. He called the Summit historic, emphasizing that this part of Europe has special significance for him. As you know, my wife comes from Slovenia and she loves Slovenia, said the US President. He expressed that the United States support to this meeting and the Initiative can help in creating a sustainable and accessible energy market and can bring citizens prosperity. Allow me to say on behalf of the

4 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 04 American people that we stand behind the states of the Three Seas Initiative, we support you in your efforts to create greater prosperity, construct infrastructure and I welcome this historic chance for increasing economic partnership with your region, he said. The Three Seas Initiative is a joint Croatian-Polish project launched in the summer of 2016 at a meeting in Dubrovnik with the objective to strengthen trade, infrastructural, energy and political cooperation in the area between the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Seas. The Initiative is designed as an informal platform for ensuring political support and action in concrete projects, and gathers twelve states Croatia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia and Austria. The Initiative is strongly supported by the United States and China. President Grabar-Kitarović said that in Europe, there is still a need to eliminate artificial divisions in old and new, eastern and western Europe since, although the Iron Curtain was physically removed, its remnants are still felt in a fragmented Central Europe. We are Central Europe and we want to be central to the European Union and transatlantic community, just as any other Euro-Atlantic country. We don t want to be part of the periphery, stated the President of Croatia. She emphasized that the Three Seas Initiative is an informal and flexible Presidential platform to exchange views and connect businesses and people through concrete projects and initiatives. She added that it is not against something but rather for something. Our goal is to work on connecting our countries for the sake of the cohesion of Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community, because together we are stronger, indicated President Grabar-Kitarović. On the sidelines of the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative, President Grabar-Kitarović held a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States of America Donald Trump. They discussed bilateral issues, the situation in South East Europe, energy and energy security, transatlantic relations, the fight against terrorism and uncontrolled migration and the future of the European Union after Brexit. The President of Croatia told US President Trump that Croatia appreciates the American position whereby the issue of the border between Croatia and Slovenia is a bilateral issue.

5 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 05 President s Bilateral Meeting with US President Trump WARSAW, 6 July On the sidelines of the Three Seas Initiative Summit, the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović held a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States of America Donald Trump. The bilateral meeting was quite good. President Trump showed great interest for the topics we have discussed. It is important for me to attract the US administration s interest to the area of South-East Europe, stated President Grabar-Kitarović. She indicated that the discussion mostly focused on bilateral relations between the Republic of Croatia and the United States, business opportunities, the need to sign an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the situation in South-East Europe. President Grabar-Kitarović commented on President Trump s accepting an invitation to visit Slovenia. I also invited President Trump to visit Croatia, and at our last meeting he also accepted. However, we have to be realistic when it comes to his schedule, we will see, maybe this will materialize and he will visit both countries at the same time, she said. The President said that she briefed President Trump on the border issue between Croatia and Slovenia. We appreciate the fact that the United States is neutral on this issue, supports the principle of sovereignty of states in international relations as one of the fundamental principles and that this is a bilateral dispute between Croatia and Slovenia. She emphasized that the terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the island of Krk is very important both to Croatia and the United States and all the countries

6 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 06 of Central Europe because energy independence is a condition for political independence. As far as South-East Europe is concerned. President Grabar-Kitarović said that in her talks with the US President she gave special emphasis to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but that discussions did not include the structural organization of the country, but rather how to help it in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration. We did not discuss the structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but rather the need for this state to emancipate politically and in every other respect. My emphasis was of course on equality and constituent status of the Croatian people, stated the President. She said that she also commented the British-German initiative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which focuses on economic and social reforms. Economic and social measures are far from being sufficient and we cannot delude ourselves that this will resolve the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Political reforms and political changes are necessary. I also pointed to the fact that the involvement of the United States has been crucial for resolving problems in this state and the whole of South-East Europe thus far and asked him that the Americans continue to be involved, said President Grabar-Kitarović. She added that she also talked with his associates and agreed on new and more detailed meetings because all issues cannot be addressed at one bilateral meeting. For this very reason, the American side was presented with a list of topics, a briefing book, so that the matters that could not be discussed because of limited time can be examined subsequently. She announced that most likely this fall she will have a meeting with some of Trump s associates in order to discuss some of the topics in greater detail. In replying to the question how she sees the resolution of the border issue with Slovenia, President Grabar- Kitarović reiterated that for everyone in Croatia the only binding decision is the one of the Croatian Parliament on leaving the arbitration procedure. For me and everyone else in Croatia, the only binding decision is the one of the Croatian Parliament. The arbitration for us is non-existent, but we are willing to talk to Slovenia and find a solution. It is difficult to say what it will be, because for the time being we do not see any problem in the field. It is particularly important that Slovenia refrain from any unilateral moves, because all bilateral agreements such as the one on cross-border traffic and cooperation are in force, said the President.

7 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 07 The Three Seas Initiative Is a Relevant, Strong Initiative between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas WARSAW, 7 July The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, where they expressed pleasure with the outcome of the Three Seas Initiative Summit. Yesterday, we had a very successful Summit. I believe that the Three Seas Initiative has definitely established itself as a relevant, strong initiative in the area of Central Europe between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas, stated President Grabar-Kitarović after the bilateral meeting with President Duda. The presence of US President Donald Trump gave added value to our Initiative. We do not ask anyone for legitimacy, we are sovereign states, but the presence of the US President demonstrates how important the Initiative is not just for our states, but also for the whole transatlantic area. Now, as a result of this visit, I expect an increased interest of American businesspeople, investors, to get involved in the realization of the projects we are proposing, stated the President of Croatia. A similar message was echoed by President Duda, who thanked all the Presidents from Central Europe attending the Summit as well as President Trump. This is an important and serious initiative, of major significance not just for our country, but also for the entire European Union and the enlargement of transatlantic ties, said President Duda. He emphasized that the Polish terminal for liquefied natural gas on the Baltic has already been completed and received the first shipment from the United States. He hopes that soon a terminal for liquefied natural gas on the island of Krk will be completed creating a Baltic-Adriatic gas corridor.

8 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 08 The two Presidents emphasized that the establishment of a business forum of the Three Seas Initiative, which will assemble businesspeople from twelve countries participating in the Initiative, is a major achievement of the Summit. Business forum, a forum of businesspeople, will be its main artery. We, Presidents, provide an informal platform for discussions and gatherings, and for concrete implementation of the projects, we expect cooperation from ministries in relation to the European Union and third countries, but primarily among our businesspeople, who will realize projects and contribute to the economies of their countries in this way, stated President Grabar- Kitarović. Members of the Initiative prepared a catalogue of 150 projects whose total value exceeds 45 billion euros in the field of transport, energy and digital infrastructure. The realization of some of them is already underway and they are for the most part financed from the European Union funds. In the period ahead, we should work hard on the realization of these projects and seek funding from other sources, indicated President Grabar-Kitarović. The President announced that the Three Seas Initiative will elaborate a detailed proposal for the European Commission to create a new regional program for the following Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period beyond The next Summit of the Three Seas Initiative will be held next year in Bucharest and this fall Croatia will host a preparatory meeting of the so-called sherpas, people who specifically deal with the Initiative s issues. I wish that before our meeting in Bucharest some of these projects will be materialized, and that the Economic Forum, to be held on the sidelines of the Summit, will be attended by businesspeople of the Initiative s member countries and other countries interested in investing in our area, she said. The President of Croatia reiterated that this Initiative is not directed against anyone neither against Germany nor against Russia, but its goal is to boost the economy and prosperity of Central European countries. In replying to the question whether the projects from the catalogue are open for Russian capital as well, President Grabar-Kitarović said that all capital that is honest is welcome, in terms of public procurement and all European Union standards and criteria. Immediately following the meeting of President Grabar-Kitarović and President Duda, five Memoranda of Understanding were signed between Croatian and Polish companies. Prior to the bilateral meeting with the President of Poland, the President of Croatia participated in a panel discussion on the topic Strengthening the Prosperity and Security of Countries in the Region of the Three Seas as part of the Global Forum organized by the US think-tank the Atlantic Council and the Polish Institute of International Affairs. In addition to the President of Croatia, the President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid and the President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev also participated in the panel discussion.

9 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 09 President Received Prime Minister of Romania Sorin Grindeanu ZAGREB, 12 June The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received the Prime Minister of Romania Sorin Grindeanu on the occasion of his official visit to the Republic of Croatia. President Grabar-Kitarović and Prime Minister Grindeanu assessed bilateral relations as being excellent, with no outstanding issues. They agreed on the necessity to strengthen the economic component of bilateral relations, which will be fostered by the economic forum planned for this fall in Romania at which time the President of the Republic will pay a return official visit. President Grabar-Kitarović indicated the potential for cooperation within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative that provides a basis for further development of relations of all South East Europe countries and the reinforcement of South East Europe s identity, cooperation and cohesion. The discussion defined their common views on a number of issues of joint interest, from the future of the European Union and probable goals during the common trio s presidency of the Council of the European Union to the state of affairs in South East Europe. The collocutors emphasized the importance of building Europe s future at a same pace as well as continuing its enlargement and consolidation which will help reinforce the resistance of the European Union as a whole.

10 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 10 President of the Republic of Poland on Official Visit to the Republic of Croatia ZAGREB, 13 June At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda is paying a two-day official return visit to the Republic of Croatia. The official visit of the President of the Republic of Poland began with a solemn welcoming ceremony in the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia, and following a tête-à-tête meeting of the two presidents, a bilateral meeting was held between official delegations of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Poland. Croatia and Poland expect that the arrival of the US President at the summit of the Three Seas Initiative to be held early next month in Warsaw will confirm the strategic partnership between the United States and the European Union, stated the presidents of the two countries following the bilateral meeting. President Duda assessed that this is an exceptionally important event, one which clearly demonstrates the scope of the politics of President Donald Trump and his administration. This is our joint success. But it is your huge success and your credit and I must congratulate and thank you for having achieved this, stated the Polish President on commenting the arrival of President Trump to the summit which will be held in Warsaw, instead of Wroclaw as earlier planned. The location of the meeting of the Three Seas Initiative was changed for reasons of security. President Grabar-Kitarović expressed hope that this meeting will also strengthen economic cooperation between the United States and European Union member states assembled in this Initiative, especially in the areas of energy, transport, intramodal transport and digitalization.

11 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 11 Expectations are that foundations will be established for more intensive cooperation with the United States and all doubts be removed that they aren t interested in Europe, in the European Union and that they don t support our states. However, the very opposite is true we are strategic partners and we will continue this cooperation in such a spirit. We want to direct the United States attention to South East Europe for us to be more successful in facing all challenges, but also making use of all opportunities this situation brings, President Grabar-Kitarović indicated. The two presidents agreed that bilateral relations between Croatia and Poland are excellent, but that they can be better especially in the economy, trade and investments. President Grabar-Kitarović emphasized that there is great potential, especially when dealing with energy and transport connections. She is pleased that concrete projects exist which will certainly contribute to this as in bilateral relations so in the Three Seas Initiative which Zagreb and Warsaw promote together. Potential for connecting not only the port of Rijeka with Poland, but the future LNG terminal on the island of Krk with the one in Poland and linking the energy network in the area of Central Europe, the construction of interconnectors i.e. the reversible connectors towards Hungary and Ukraine and towards South East Europe states will definitely contribute to energy stability, efficiency and the independence of our states, stated the Croatian President. As for South East Europe, Croatia and Poland are members of NATO and share the same concerns when the stability of the region and broader is at issue, stated the Croatian President. We don t consider Russia an enemy and all NATO is doing is in the service of dissuasion, stated President Grabar-Kitarović. There was also talk of defense cooperation, and President Duda stated that it is his hope the Croatian Parliament will confirm the dispatch of Croatian troops to Poland within the scope of NATO forces. During the official visit of the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda to the Republic of Croatia, a practically unknown sketch of a monument by sculptor Ivan Meštrović to J. Piłsudski, rebuilder of the Polish state, was exhibited as a preview to a great exhibition of this artist to be opened in Krakow under the high patronage of the President.

12 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 12 Official Visit of the President of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Croatia ZAGREB, 20 June The President of the Slovak Republic Andrej Kiska, on the invitation of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, is on a two-day return visit to the Republic of Croatia. The official visit of the President of the Slovak Republic began with the official welcoming ceremony at the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia, followed by a tête-à-tête meeting of the two presidents and a bilateral meeting of the official delegations of the Republic of Croatia and the Slovak Republic. The President of the Republic of Croatia Grabar- Kitarović and President of Kiska agreed that Croatia and Slovakia are friendly states that cooperate well and have no open issues. In a statement after the meeting, President Grabar-Kitarović said that she has received all four of the Presidents of the member states of the Visegrád Group, Czech President Milos Zeman, Hungarian President János Áder, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Slovakian colleague Andrej Kiska this spring in Zagreb as an important part of her foreign policy activities since Croatia considers these countries to be friends and wants to cooperate with them as much as possible. She stressed that Croatia has many common interests with the states of the Visegrád Group that should be discussed such as transport and energy to the enlargement of the European Union, environmental protection, migration and other security, economic and social issues. She announced that Croatia will host the Visegrád Group meeting in autumn or spring next year. Croatia and Slovakia are two friendly states, with no open issues, however cooperation could be stronger and better, said the President, pointing out that the two countries share common positions on the future of the

13 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 13 European Union, supporting Europe as a Union of equal countries, not a Europe of multi-speeds. This has to be a clear message to our citizens and all EU citizens particularly when euroscepticism is evident in Europe, especially after Brexit. We need to strengthen European institutions, we do not need more, but we do need better and stronger institutions that will be closer to our citizens and will understand the problems and deal with issues of the utmost importance to Europeans, above all the issue of youth, employment, economic growth, investment and security. she said. Our defence and security co-operation may be modest in terms of scope, but it is very important when it comes to its content. I hope we will continue to cooperate on military and defence cooperation issues, especially when dealing with threats that we and the entire EU is facing both in the east and in the south, and that within the European Union and NATO, we will continue to advocate common positions and solidarity in resolving all the problems that today burden the European Union and NATO, she said and added that Croatia and Slovakia want to achieve the two percent of GDP level of budget allocation for defence and twenty percent of that for investment in technology. President Grabar-Kitarović thanked Slovakia for supporting Croatia s efforts to enter Schengen, pointing out that this is very important for tourism and security, freedom of movement and equality of our citizens in the European Union. The President also addressed minorities, pointing out that the Slovak minority in Croatia is well protected and has its own representative in the Parliament. She expressed hope that the Slovak government would also support the Croatian minority in Slovakia in learning the Croatian language and for preserving their ethnic, cultural, linguistic and other heritage. Slovak President Andrej Kiska pointed out that Croatia has a significant role in the region. Croatia is an inspiration for the whole region, an example for neighbouring countries, he said, recalling that Slovakia has always helped the countries in the region in their efforts to become members of the European family. President Kiska said that Slovakia can learn a lot from Croatia in tourism, as Croatia s tourism accounts for percent of GDP, whereas in Slovakia it accounts for only 2.5 percent. Similarly, Slovakia as a developed industrial country can help Croatia with its experience in that area, he said, pointing out that Slovakia has the largest number of cars per capita produced in the world. President Kiska also stressed that nearly 400,000 Slovak tourists visit Croatia every year and expressed gratitude for their warm reception.

14 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 14 Croatian-Slovak Innovation Forum ZAGREB, 20 June The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and President of the Slovak Republic Andrej Kiska participated in the Croatian-Slovak Innovation Forum, which was held at the Croatian Chamber of Economy, during the official visit of the Slovak President. The Forum highlighted that Croatia and Slovakia have good economic relations but that there is room for progress in many sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, electronics, transport, tourism. Perspective areas for cooperation include the automotive industry, road construction, the chemical industry, environmental protection and many others. The Forum brought together representatives of eighteen Slovakian and thirty-six Croatian companies. In her opening remarks President Grabar-Kitarović pointed out that Croatia recorded a high deficit in commodity trading with Slovakia, while Slovak companies investments in Croatia were almost five times higher than the investments of Croatian companies in the Slovak economy. In order to balance these relations, Croatia must increase efforts in terms of investment and development of trade relations. But this can only be done if reforms are implemented and the Croatian economy is transformed so that it can offer more

15 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 15 complex and more advanced products and services and stimulate the investment climate, President Grabar- Kitarović said. She also emphasized the importance of innovations and modern technologies. In creating an effective and competitive market economy innovation is of crucial importance. Investments in research and development, science and innovation are the basic prerequisites for faster development of the economy and international competitiveness, said the Croatian President. Slovak President Andrej Kiska stressed the importance of ideas, innovations and new technologies. He said businessmen from both countries should take advantage of the opportunity offered by the common market of the European Union of over 500 million consumers. If you wish to be successful you must be able to take advantage of the opportunities of this large market, said President Kiska.

16 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 16 President on Working Trip to Hungary BUDAPEST, 12 September On Tuesday, 12 September 2017 the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović will be on a working visit to Hungary. During her visit, President Grabar-Kitarović will hold meetings with the President of Hungary János Áder and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The President will visit the Danube Commission which is considered to be one of the oldest international intergovernmental organizations in the world. At the head of the Danube Commission is its present president Ambassador Gordan Grlić-Radman, and the director general of its Secretariat is captain Petar Margić. At Corvinus University of Budapest the President of the Republic will receive an honorary doctorate degree and will hold a lecture entitled A Stronger Central Europe Means a Stronger EU and Transatlantic Community: Croatia s Contribution to our Cohesion and Resilience.

17 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 17 Working Meetings with President and Prime Minister of Hungary BUDAPEST, 12 September In her working visit to Hungary, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović held separate working meetings in Budapest with the President of Hungary János Áder and Prime Minister Viktor Orban. During the meetings with the highest Hungarian officials the President stated that it is in the interest of the Republic of Croatia for INA to remain the Croatian pivotal vertically integrated energy company and maintain all its activities. She stressed that the Republic of Croatia stands firm in its decision to return INA to its ownership. Regardless of this open issue, I maintain that Croatia and Hungary must persevere in pursuing a most successful economic cooperation, stated the President. To Hungary which has assumed the one-year presidency of the Visegrád group on 1 July, President Grabar- Kitarović wished a successful presidency.

18 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 18 Hungary s decision to block Croatia s admission to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) isn t politically motivated, or in any way linked to a similar decision by Slovenia, stated the President following her meeting with Hungarian President János Áder and Prime Minister Viktor Orban. She indicated that the Hungarian side gave her assurances that it is not any kind of blackmail, but the defense of national interests. What is absolutely clear after these talks is that this decision was not motivated for political reasons and I was given assurances today that Hungary absolutely wants to further develop friendly relations with Croatia at all levels, both in the political sense and in terms of investment, the economy, and such, stated the President. Hungary s decision isn t linked to the Slovenian decision on blocking Croatia for not accepting the arbitration results and isn t linked to any fact that Hungary wants to blackmail Croatia as part of a package deal, she highlighted. She added that in today s talks she was given the explanation that it is a matter of defending Hungarian business interests since OECD isn t a political, but an economic organization. Moreover, they raised the issue of the investment and business climate in general in Croatia. The President stated that Hungary is dissatisfied with the treatment of the case of INA-MOL in previous years adding that it was agreed today that talks will continue in order to resolve all open issues, including this one. In continuing her visit to Hungary, the President will visit the Danube Commission which is considered to be one of the oldest international intergovernmental organizations in the world. At the head of the Danube Commission presently is Ambassador Gordan-Grlić Radman as President and Captain Petar Margić as Director-General of the Secretariat.

19 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 19 President Received Honorary Doctorate Degree and Lectured at Corvinus University BUDAPEST, 12 September At Corvinus University where she received an honorary doctorate degree, the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović highlighted the importance of a stronger and connected Central Europe which means a stronger Transatlantic community as well. In that context she mentioned the significance of linking these countries through the Three Seas Initiative. In her lecture entitled A Stronger Central Europe Means a Stronger EU and Transatlantic Community : Croatia s Contribution to our Cohesion and Resilience the President talked about her commitment to European Union and NATO enlargement to South East Europe and of Hungary s and Croatia s common history. Rector András Lánczi congratulated President Grabar- Kitarović on promoting Central Europe, stimulating academic excellence and strengthening Croatian- Hungarian friendly relations. Upon receiving an honorary doctorate degree from your prestigious University, I would like to express my appreciation to Corvinus University and to all of you for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts on Croatia s contribution to a new, connected and empowered Central Europe, said President Grabar- Kitarović adding that this honorary doctorate degree will be an inspiration for her own dissertation. I very much believe that a stronger Central Europe means a stronger European Union and more powerful Transatlantic community, said the President and

20 THREE SEAS INITIATIVE / 20 stressed that Croatia as a Central European country, does not want to see Member States divided into core or periphery states. We decline the stigma of Central Europe as the continent s Achilles heel and we fully intend to use our vast joint potential which is possible through the Three Seas Initiative. The successful gathering of twelve Central European Member States in the globally recognized Three Seas Initiative project - informal and flexible political platform headed by Poland in the North and Croatia in the South will help better link the Baltic, the Adriatic and Black Seas in the area of economic growth and progress, she said. The President is hopeful that this will then help our youth get good workplaces with decent and competitive salaries, provide them with a choice to stay home and when we achieve that, it will be the mark of our ultimate success. Speaking on the disparities in Europe s economic force, she indicated the potential economic force which would make all the countries of the Three Seas Initiative combined. Croatia is simultaneously expanding its foreign policy focus towards the Mediterranean basin, said President Grabar-Kitarović, because due to its geographical location, Croatia is the gateway for the countries of the Three Seas Initiative to the Mediterranean whose stability and security is of utmost importance. Even the slightest sign of instability in the Mediterranean has a great impact on Europe, she said. We must not forget the importance of the Euro-Atlantic perspective of South East Europe area where the international community has been losing interest which is of strategic importance for the entire European Union, the President said. Croatia very strongly advocates the idea of EU and NATO enlargement in South East Europe. We offer a helping hand to everybody who chooses to follow such a demanding path, she stated. She indicated that young democracies have been sitting in the waiting room for too long, without any real progress and that they need a strong message from the Union and NATO. She condemned third party involvement in changing the political course of South East Europe states. The Euro-Atlantic aspirations of these countries have been particularly targeted by illegitimate attempts and third party involvement to change the political course of the countries in question. I have to stress that we also respect the sovereign decision by any country to seek its allegiances and partnerships elsewhere. What we do not support and cannot tolerate is concealed third party involvement in such decision making processes, she emphasized. Speaking of Hungary s and Croatia s common history, she reminded that Matthias Corvinus (Matija Korvin), after whom the University where she received an honorary doctorate degree is named, was also a Croatian king, certainly one of the most positive rulers in this common history, one of the most capable and educated European rulers of his time. Our two countries today rely on each other, both firmly committed as members of the European Union, and in particular to strengthening the common values of the Central European peoples and States, she added.

21 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 21 President Received the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia Julie Bishop ZAGREB, 10 July The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia Julie Bishop during her official visit to the Republic of Croatia. President Grabar-Kitarović and Minister Bishop assessed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are excellent, without outstanding issues and continuously progressing since Croatia became a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is confirmed by the first visit of an Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Republic of Croatia. The President s state visit to Australia in August this year will additionally contribute to this. The reputable and exceptionally well-integrated Croatian community in Australia is a good foundation for ever closer relations between the two countries. Minister Bishop emphasized Australia s great interest in the Three Seas Initiative as well as its economic projects and highlighted the upcoming takeover of the primacy from the State of Qatar in the exports of liquefied natural gas and many other possibilities that would increase mutual trade and Australian investments in the Republic of Croatia. President Grabar-Kitarović confirmed openness to economic cooperation also within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative, which emphasizes the possibility for the entry of Australian goods on the Central European market through a shorter route, via Adriatic ports. The President of the Republic indicated that this is an informal initiative aiming at stronger cohesion of the European Union through better infrastructural connectivity, strengthening thus the competitiveness of Central European countries. During the discussion, positions on many issues of mutual interest were established, from the important role of the United States of America in the neighborhood of both countries and the significant global role of the People s Republic of China regarding successful integration of different cultures and traditions in contemporary societies.

22 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 22 President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović with Governor of New South Wales and at the European Australian Business Council s Economic Forum SYDNEY, 14 August On the second day of her state visit to Australia, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- Kitarović met with Mr. David Hurley, Governor of New South Wales, at Government House in Sydney. In very comprehensive talks with Governor Hurley, the President gave emphasis to the Croatian community in New South Wales numbering close to 100,000 people. The President said that there are successful businesspeople among them representing an enormous potential that should be leveraged in terms of the return of people and of advancing business with Croatia and transferring their experience. Following her meeting with the Governor, the President of the Republic and the Croatian delegation visited Macquarie University where she met with Vice Chancellor Bruce Dowton and the University leadership. They discussed the University s experience and its

23 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 23 method adapting its program to market conditions and creating programs in line with industry requirements and students themselves, who require more modern work methods. At the Centre for Croatian Studies, President Grabar-Kitarović delivered a lecture on the topic of the Croatian language as a basis of Croatian identity and culture. Subsequently, the President and the President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy participated at the Economic Forum organized by the European Australian Business Council where discussion focused on potentials for strengthening business cooperation between Croatia and Australia, opportunities that Croatia offers and desirable fields of investment. Special emphasis was given to infrastructure, digitalization, tourism and strengthening of the Croatian ports of Rijeka and Ploče. One of the topics discussed was the Three Seas Initiative which offers a much larger market and opportunities for investment for potential Australian investors due to its linking countries of Central Europe. In the evening, the President socialized with representatives of the large Croatian community, an event organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Sydney. On that occasion, the President presented the Charter of the Republic of Croatia to distinguished individuals and associations.

24 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 24 President Meets with Governor-General of Australia CANBERRA, 15 August In Australia s capital Canberra, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović met with the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency the Honorable Peter Cosgrove. Following a cordial welcome at Government House, the President of the Republic thanked her host, the people of Australia and the Croatian community in Australia and emphasized that she is honored to be the first Croatian President to be on a state visit 22 years after the visit of the first Croatian President Dr. Franjo Tuđman. The President told her Australian counterpart that Croatia is deeply proud of Croatian Australians. President Grabar-Kitarović emphasized that Croatia and Australia are two friendly countries sharing the common values of western democracies, striving for a rule of law-based society, respect for human rights and freedoms and working towards creating sustainable economies while protecting the environment and fighting climate change. Moreover, the President stated that the two countries stand shoulder-to-shoulder in Afghanistan defending their own countries, but also global peace and security. She paid respects to the brave Australian troops for their engagement. The President of the Republic highlighted that this year is of special significance for both countries because of the celebration of a quarter of a century since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which grow stronger by the day, providing a stimulus for further development and advancement of Croatian-Australian relations. Croatia s membership in the European Union has additionally contributed to the development of

25 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 25 our relations and the strengthening of cooperation enabling new potential for further development and cooperation, stated the President. Croatia strives to provide assistance to the Croatian community in Australia in preserving the Croatian culture and language. Their dedication in preserving their national identity and strengthening bonds between the two peoples make an exceptional contribution to the reinforcement of comprehensive Croatian-Australian relations. In the evening, a reception was held in the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Canberra. Addressing those in attendance, the President emphasized that she devoted a major part of her term of office thus far to connecting Croatia at home and abroad and added that she intends to work on it more intensely in the time ahead. The President added that the Croatian diaspora proved many times to be an important participant in building a stable society in the dynamic and demanding process of our democratic and economic development. We should not forget and we should be very grateful to you for the determination you demonstrated on many occasions and for your readiness to help your Homeland, stated the President of Croatia.

26 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 26 President Meets with Australia s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull CANBERRA, 16 August In Canberra, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović met with Australia s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. They discussed the esteemed and appreciated Croatian community in Australia, who gave an immense contribution to building the state. The President and the Prime Minister discussed all possibilities for strengthening economic and social cooperation between the two countries. In this context, they discussed the conclusion of an agreement on avoidance of double taxation. Australia s Prime Minister expressed his personal readiness to speed up the process of reaching this agreement. They touched upon opportunities for cooperation in shipbuilding and connecting our ports, namely better use of Croatia s port as a gateway to Central Europe. They also discussed opportunities for cooperation in

27 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 27 tourism. A significant part of the talks was devoted to the Three Seas Initiative, all aspects of cooperation among twelve European Union member states. The President presented to Australia s Prime Minister a catalogue with more than 150 projects ready for investors, which were presented at the Initiative s Summit in Warsaw. Additional emphasis was given to talks on the importance of energy independence and in this context the construction of an LNG terminal on the island of Krk, bearing in mind Australia s increasing share in world LNG exports. The President of the Republic of Croatia and the Prime Minister of Australia discussed security challenges the world is facing today, especially international terrorism, as well as changes brought about by great migrations. In the context of the forthcoming opening of negotiations on free trade between the European Union and Australia, the President highlighted Croatia s support to the conclusion of this agreement. They discussed Brexit and the future of the European Union in the context of challenges facing Europe and the world today. Following her meeting with Prime Minister Turnbull, President Grabar-Kitarović also met with Stephen Parry, President of the Senate, Tony Smith, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Bill Shorten, leader of the Opposition. The President concluded her visit to Canberra with a lecture at the Australian Institute of International Affairs on the topic of Croatia s foreign policy. The main emphasis of the lecture was on the importance of an assertive and proactive foreign policy in dynamic global circumstances. The President concluded the fourth day of her state visit to Australia and New Zealand meeting Croatians from several Croatian clubs in Melbourne and the surrounding area.

28 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 28 President of the Republic Meets with Victoria Governor and Premier in Melbourne, and with Premier of South Australia in Adelaide MELBOURNE / ADELAIDE, 17 August The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović visited the University of Melbourne where she met with the Provost Professor Margaret Sheil. The President attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Melbourne and the University of Zagreb. Subsequently, President Grabar-Kitarović met with the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Linda Dessau. They discussed the importance of education with an emphasis on STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the need for encouraging girls to study sciences. They also discussed the very prominent Croatian community in the state of Victoria, especially in Melbourne and its surrounding area.

29 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 29 In the company of Victoria s Premier, Mr. Daniel Andrews, the President walked through downtown Melbourne, and then continued her journey to the capital of South Australia, Adelaide, where she met with Premier Mr. Jay Weatherhill. She concluded the day with a meeting with Governor of South Australia, H.E. Hieu Van Le, and the Croatian community.

30 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 30 President Visited The Seafood Capital of Australia PORT LINCOLN, 18 August On the last day of her state visit to Australia and prior to her visit to New Zealand, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović visited Port Lincoln in South Australia. Port Lincoln is known for its fishing and tuna farming and is de facto a city built and erected by Croatians. Even today, Croatians are the main bearers of its political, social and economic life, stated the President. Croatians who settled in Port Lincoln became millionaires through fishing and tuna farming. However, they remain very modest people, proud of their Croatia, proud of their new homeland Australia. They work very hard in order to market their products on the world fishing market that is fairly competitive, said President Grabar-Kitarović. Port Lincoln gave a significant number of important members of the Croatian community and is the capital of Australia in terms of fishing and other seafood, added the President of Croatia. She emphasized the extensive cooperation between Port Lincoln and Kali on the island of Ugljan. She is confident that through closer cooperation between Port Lincoln and Croatia and Croatian fishermen greater success can be achieved for Croatia s fishing on the world stage. On Saturday, the President continues her state visit to New Zealand in Auckland.

31 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 31 President of the Republic Meets with Governor General of New Zealand in Auckland AUCKLAND, 19 August The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović began her state visit to New Zealand meeting the Governor General of New Zealand H.E. Patsy Reddy. During her discussion with the Governor General, the President emphasized that this state visit confirms what is already well known: Croatia and New Zealand are two friendly countries although separated by miles, time zones, climates and seasons. The President stressed that the Croatian community in New Zealand, numbering more than 100,000 people and enjoying a great reputation, plays a significant role in the relations between the two countries. This year, the Republic of Croatia and New Zealand celebrate the 25 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In addition, the President mentioned that this year marks the 159 th anniversary since the arrival of the first Croatians to New Zealand. Most of them came from Dalmatia known for its fishing and wine making, which links Croatia and New Zealand. Thus, Croatians who arrived in New Zealand continued to develop their know-how related to fishing, olive and vine growing with great success. Moreover, President Grabar-Kitarović stated that Croatia s membership in the European Union contributed to the development of their relations and strengthening cooperation. The President concluded that Croatia is New Zealand s friend and ally both in the European Union and in NATO. In the evening, the President socialized with members of the Croatian community.

32 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 32 President Tours Largest Olive-Grove in New Zealand, Hobbiton Film Centre and Ngatamariki Geothermal Power Station NEW ZEALAND, 20 August The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović began the second day of her state visit to New Zealand touring the largest olive grove in the country owned by a New Zealander Croat Peter Simunovich. Thereafter, the President of the Republic visited the Hobbiton film Centre near Matamata, which was built for the shooting of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. The Centre was later transformed into a very popular tourist attraction. Experience was exchanged with the Centre s leadership on transforming the movie set into a tourist attraction as well as Croatia s potential based on the film industry s increasing interest in shooting films and serials in Croatia.

33 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND / 33 The President of Croatia visited the source of the Te Puia geyser in Rotorua with the Minister of Trade of New Zealand, Mr. Todd McClay, with whom she exchanged experience in tourism as the greatest export branch both in Croatia and in New Zealand. Major emphasis was on the importance of preserving natural sights and traditional skills of wood processing, which contribute to preserving the existing heritage and manufacture of indigenous souvenirs. President Grabar-Kitarović visited the Ngatamariki geothermal power station, the largest geothermal power station of this kind in the world. With the power station s Director, she discussed all the aspects of the use of geothermal sources as an exceptionally exploitable source of renewable energy. They also discussed the possibility for synergy and connection of power stations with other industrial branches and activities and thus raising the exploitability and overall efficiency.

34 SECURITY COOPERATION / 34 President at NATO Summit in Brussels BRUSSELS, 25 May On the eve of the Special Meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government in Brussels, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović stated that Croatia can begin to allocate two percent of its GDP for defense, which is the Alliance recommendation, in 2024 at the earliest, but that it will depend on GDP growth. By the end of this year we will have plans to achieve this goal. There will be several scenarios. I believe that the earliest that we can reach it is 2024, depending, however, on the growth of the GDP because a high GDP growth will offset greater expenditure for defense capabilities, said President Grabar-Kitarović announcing that one of the topics of the meeting will be further defense investment. She emphasized that defense expenditures are not consumption but investment and plans on how to achieve the two percent GDP expenditure for defense and twenty percent of these expenditures for modernization and technology. Croatia s message will certainly be to live up to the commitments we made in Wales, but this is primarily not something that NATO expects, but what Croatia wants because this is a time of new threats,

35 SECURITY COOPERATION / 35 dangers, from terrorism and cyberattacks and similar. We indeed must strengthen our own defense capabilities and, first and foremost, rely on ourselves, stated the President of Croatia. Regarding the second message that the Republic of Croatia will send at this meeting, the President said that it will be solidarity in the fight against terrorism and solidarity in support of Article 5, namely, that an attack on one member of the Alliance is an attack on all members. Naturally, everything being done at this moment and in the future is above all meant as a means of deterrence. As an alliance, NATO is not directed against anyone, but exclusively for the defense of its own resources, territory and, first of all, its own population, she said. In her reply to the question whether Croatia will take new commitments after NATO s joining the coalition against the ISIL, President Grabar-Kitarović responded negatively and added that Croatia and each NATO member take the commitments that they determine themselves. However, we feel the need to show solidarity with all and fight against terrorism in general. Today, I will particularly warn of our own environment in South East Europe where we have to focus more not just on threats, but on everything lying ahead in the sense of advantages that NATO enlargement brings. Consequently, we will welcome Montenegro s joining NATO, but also warn NATO to accelerate the accession of other countries in the territory of South East Europe, from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Kosovo and Macedonia, because we truly cannot leave a void consequently being filled by some third sides, groups, ideologies and similar, emphasized President Grabar- Kitarović.

36 SECURITY COOPERATION / 36 Talks with a Number of Heads of State and Government at NATO Summit BRUSSELS, 25 May The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar- Kitarović attended the inauguration of the new NATO headquarters building in Brussels and the unveiling of two memorials in front of the new building: the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Article 5 Memorial. Following a working dinner of NATO Heads of State and Government, President Grabar-Kitarović stated that she had the opportunity to talk to many participants including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom she invited to visit Croatia. The whole time we spent together this afternoon, walking through the corridors of the new NATO building and attending a reception that preceded the Summit, there was plenty of opportunity for talks. I spoke to President Trump and invited him to visit Croatia, said President Grabar-Kitarović after the Summit s end. I was surprised how much he spoke to everyone, including me. He was very relaxed and kind to everyone, he even joked around, said President Grabar-Kitarović about her talks with US President. Their discussion touched upon a number of topics, including the situation in South East Europe. I asked him for the USA to get involved again, I warned of all the threats existing in our neighborhood and

37 SECURITY COOPERATION / 37 emphasized the role the United States has played thus far and I believe will continue to play a major role with its focus on the area of South East Europe, greater than at the present, added the President. I also spoke to French President Macron, whom I also invited to visit Croatia. We realized that no French President has ever paid an official visit to Croatia. He showed interest and I hope that through diplomatic channels and joint efforts we will manage to realize this visit. Of course, we also discussed the situation in our countries and our bilateral relations, she stated. Two documents have been adopted at the NATO Summit, one on sharing responsibility and defense expenses, the other on NATO as an organization joining the fight against terrorism. The atmosphere at the Summit was excellent, very positive. I must say that, in addition to these topics, a number of us spoke of South East Europe. Surprisingly, many people mentioned the need to focus on developments in South East Europe and all the threats, said President Grabar-Kitarović. Croatia and the fact that four Government Ministers are yet to be appointed. They asked general questions about processes in Croatia and our expectations, she added. Furthermore, the President stated that she called upon activation of the Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have persistently been insisting on the principle of three constituent peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We know that for some this is not easy to accept, however, it is a fact that the Dayton Accords are based on the principle of equal rights of three peoples and citizens. I will keep insisting on it and warn of the fact that stopping the progress or absence of progress in the accession process of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union and NATO creates a void which is then filled by third parties from their own interests. Today, in the presence of Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, I have openly called upon activation of MAP for Bosnia and Herzegovina urgently and as soon as possible in order to keep this country on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration, said President Grabar-Kitarović. I spoke to Chancellor Merkel as well. Quite a number of interlocutors enquired about the current state of affairs in

38 SECURITY COOPERATION / 38 President of the Republic at 2017 GLOBSEC Forum (Source: SITA) BRATISLAVA, 26 May The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović attended the opening of the Global Security Forum GLOBSEC 2017 in Bratislava, and had working meetings with the President of the Slovak Republic Andrej Kiska and the US Senator from the State of Wisconsin Ron Johnson. On the Forum sidelines, and prior to the official visit of the President of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Croatia scheduled for late June, President Grabar-Kitarović held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Slovak Republic Andrej Kiska. They exchanged views on the recent NATO Meeting of Heads of State and Government and discussed possibilities for further cooperation within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative fulfillment of goals of energy security and better connectivity of Central European countries. The next, second, Summit of the Initiative will take place in Warsaw, Poland, in July of this year. President Grabar-Kitarović also met with Ron Johnson, the US Senator from the State of Wisconsin, Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Chair of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate. They discussed bilateral relations between the Republic of Croatia and the United States of America, with a special review of the issues of defense and security cooperation. They also discussed yesterday s Meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government and its conclusions. They exchanged views on the situation in South East Europe and the current lines of force and challenges resulting in the refocusing of the international community on this region. The two interlocutors agreed on the need for the United States of America to refocus on South East Europe.

39 SECURITY COOPERATION / 39 NATO Counter Terrorism Panel OPATIJA, 30 May The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović opened a Counter Terrorism Panel of the NATO Civilian Intelligence Committee CIC today in Opatija. The Panel s hosts are the Security and Intelligence Agency (SOA) and the Military Security and Intelligence Agency (VSOA). During the two-day event, many experts will discuss NATO s counter terrorist measures and activities. After the Panel opening, President Grabar-Kitarović met with NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Intelligence and Security Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven. Topics discussed were security threats in South East Europe with an emphasis on terrorism, all forms of radicalism and threats coming from Europe s south and east.

40 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 40 President of the Republic of Kosovo on Official Visit to Croatia ZAGREB, 1 June The President of the Republic of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi is paying an official visit to the Republic of Croatia at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. Following a welcoming ceremony and a tête-à-tête meeting of President Grabar-Kitarović and President Thaçi, a bilateral meeting of official delegations of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kosovo was held. President Grabar-Kitarović and President Thaçi agreed that Croatia and Kosovo want to expand their economic cooperation, emphasizing historically friendly relations between Zagreb and Prishtina as well as Croatia s support for Kosovo s Euro-Atlantic integration path. When it comes to our bilateral relations, they are good and friendly, but we certainly wish to expand economic cooperation with Kosovo. Although Croatia has a large trade surplus with Kosovo, I believe that much more can be done, not just in terms of selling our products and services, but also in terms of a larger presence of Croatian companies in Kosovo in terms of investments and further business, said the President of Croatia, adding that she asked her colleague from Kosovo to get personally involved. The President of Croatia mentioned that companies are interested in the energy sector with regard to transmission lines and use of renewable energy sources, IGH has shown interest in road and building construction, Gredelj as one of the most competitive

41 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 41 companies in Europe and the world in railcar manufacture, and KING ICT in the electronic industry. We discussed the issue of INA, the Croatian oil company, and all the problems that INA has encountered as a result of the break-up of the former state and the transfer of property, as well as INA s endeavors to resolve some of the current issues of its presence and expansion of cooperation, said President Grabar-Kitarović. The President of Kosovo, who was sworn in last year in April, thanked the President of Croatia for attending his inauguration and Croatia for being among the first countries that recognized Kosovo. Croatia is one of 114 states that recognized the Republic of Kosovo and supports Kosovo, said the President of Croatia, on its path of integration not just in the EU and NATO but also in other organizations and institutions. Croatia will also continue to support Kosovo with regard to joining A5, the initiative for political and security cooperation in South East Europe, and in the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo Armed Forces, announced President Grabar- Kitarović adding that Zagreb is at Prishtina s disposal for an exchange of experience and know-how on the path of integration. Although Croatia and Kosovo are well connected through national minorities, President Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia would like to see the status of the Croatian community in Kosovo improved. The Albanian minority from Kosovo is excellently integrated in Croatian society and has its representative in the Parliament with the full right to vote. We would like to see the status of the Croatian community in Kosovo improved, especially in Janjevo and Letnica where most members of the Croatian community live, emphasized President Grabar-Kitarović. Noting that he visited the Croatian minority in Janjevo and Letnica, President Thaçi promised that he would advocate that a representative of the Croatian community get a seat in the Parliament. The President of Kosovo also thanked Croatia for its support to KFOR, and other international institutions present in Kosovo. Croatia currently has 33 members in KFOR and President Grabar-Kitarović announced that this presence will increase somewhat this year in line with our desire to stabilize the situation in Kosovo.

42 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 42 Brdo-Brijuni Presidential Process BRDO, 3 June The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović took part at the Meeting of Presidents from South East Europe included in the Brdo-Brijuni Process, initiated in 2013 by Croatia and Slovenia. Upon her arrival in Slovenia where she was welcomed by the President of Slovenia Borut Pahor, President Grabar-Kitarović held a meeting with the Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier who was a special guest at the meeting. In this capacity, President Steinmeier participated in the plenary meeting of Presidents of Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania. The reform process and drawing all countries of South East Europe closer to the European Union should be accelerated and remain the permanent focus of the Union which will be completed and strengthened by the integration of all these countries, reads the Statement of the Brdo-Brijuni Summit presented by the Presidents of Slovenia Borut Pahor, Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Statement says that political and economic cooperation should continue. South East Europe countries are invited to refrain from nationalist and inflammable rhetoric and avoid such discourse in relations among and within states and instead encourage cooperation and dialogue. President Grabar-Kitarović warned of interests aimed at weakening relations among states of the region in the vacuum that emerged in South East Europe as a result of the European Union s more reserved attitude towards enlargement and actions having features of hybrid warfare, in order to prove that the states in the instable region are incapable of reform and integration in Euro-Atlantic structures and that the European Union is ineffective in resolving the instability.

43 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 43 Time for a Breakthrough in Croatia-Serbia Relations BELGRADE, 23 June The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović is visiting Belgrade where she will attend a reception on the occasion of the inauguration of the newly elected President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić. Before her bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, the President of the Republic stated that it is essential that the two countries be pragmatic in their relations and announced that she will convey this message to her host, the newly elected President of the Republic of Serbia. President Grabar-Kitarović stated that the time has come for Serbia and Croatia to make a positive breakthrough in their mutual relations in order to resolve many outstanding bilateral issues, as well as many other problems, such as our common security and other challenges. Serbia and Croatia do not need to be friends, but they have a number of issues where they must be collaborators. When it comes to our relations, I will repeat what I have said in Vukovar we do not need to pretend that friendship exists because we both know that a lot more water must flow in the Sava and Danube rivers before we become friendly states. However, we must be pragmatic, stated the President of Croatia assessing that today s meeting with Vučić is an opportunity to make a step forward. This is an opportunity to make a breakthrough not only to improve relations in Southeast Europe. We have to draw a line somewhere in our history and resolve all painful issues such as the humanitarian issues of missing persons, archives, the so-called universal jurisdiction, but primarily once again pragmatically to look at the present and the future, stated President Grabar-Kitarović.

44 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 44 President Vučić of Serbia bade the President of the Republic of Croatia welcome to Serbia and President Grabar-Kitarović congratulated him on his election as President and wished him much success, hoping that this will be to the benefit of two peoples and two states. Earlier in the day, the President of Croatia met with representatives of the Croatian community in Serbia in the Croatian embassy and said that with President Vučić she will discuss the progress made in implementing the Declaration signed in Subotica. The time has come to make a positive breakthrough. There is progress when it comes to infrastructure, but one needs to build some projects of functional nature, said President Grabar-Kitarović, emphasizing that special attention will be dedicated to the position of Croatians in Serbia. When it comes to the position of the Croatian minority and the fulfillment of the Agreement on Mutual Protection of Minorities from 2004, the basic right of the Croatian minority to have one guaranteed representative in the Parliament of Serbia and guaranteed representatives at lower levels has not yet been respected, stated the President of Croatia. The Serbian community in Croatia has three guaranteed seats in the Parliament regardless of the number of votes, whereas a representative of Croatians in the Parliament of Serbia is a member of a party, rather than a representative of the Croatian community, she stated. She announced that Croatia will continue to extend support and assistance to Serbia and all the countries of the region that she wishes to see as European Union members, however she will insist that they comply with the same criteria that Croatia had to fulfill before becoming a European Union member. I believe that this process of Euro-Atlantic integration can contribute to resolving outstanding issues in order to develop good neighborly relations in this area, stated President Grabar-Kitarović. She assessed that there are too many threats facing us to ignore them. I believe that we must jointly work, especially our services, even Armed Forces, in order to ensure a secure and prosperous life in our countries. She emphasized that this is not just about cooperation among intelligence services, particularly pointing out that, with respect to terrorism, you can never know who, when and where can be a victim of a terrorist attack. We must cooperate more in this regard. Then, there is also the issue of organized crime between our two countries, human, drug and arms trafficking and similar, to ensure that no one can be a threat to the state order of either of our countries, stressed President Grabar- Kitarović.

45 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 45 The President Chairs the Final Summit of Participating States of South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) DUBROVNIK, 30 June Croatia firmly supports the European and Euro- Atlantic integration of countries of South-East Europe because enlargement will consolidate the European Union rather than just make it larger and elevate the overall cohesion of Europe, stated the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović opening the Summit of the Participating States of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP). Despite specific differences, South-East Europe has often historically learned of the necessity for joint cooperation through difficult ways, said the President in her address in Dubrovnik, where Croatia finalized its one year Chairmanship-in-Office and handed it over to the Republic of Slovenia. This is why this part of Europe should be proud of the efforts within the framework of SEECP, an initiative launched twenty-one years ago, she stated.

46 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 46 Each of the Member States of SEECP has achieved so much since joining this political initiative and has chosen its own path, yet has chosen a common European direction and Euro-Atlantic path, indicated President Grabar-Kitarović. She added that Croatia firmly supports the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries of South East Europe. Enlargement will consolidate the European Union rather than just make it larger and elevate the overall cohesion of Europe, stated the President. Today s world is more intertwined than ever and any kind of isolation in an exercise in futility, she said. The President briefly reiterated the principles guiding Croatia during its one-year Chairmanship-in-Office - solidarity, support to EU candidate and potential candidate countries, connectivity, strengthening of political dialogue and energy. The region must continue to set lasting goals for the economy and society through concrete projects, we must invest more into raising competitiveness and diversification of energy sources, developing good governance and fostering entrepreneurial skills. In the field of humanitarian crises and natural disasters, she reminded that the migrant crisis taught the region how important solidarity and coordination are. It is equally important to maintain cooperation among security and intelligence services in facing the threats of radicalization, terrorism, violent extremism, stated President Grabar-Kitarović. The leaders of eight countries of the Brdo-Brijuni Process, which are also part of the SEECP, expressed their readiness to consolidate South East Europe, stated the President and assessed that the European Union and NATO must invest more in this part of Europe. Despite the complex and multiple challenges that the European Union is facing today, it has a long history of overcoming many different kinds of crisis, said the President and concluded that citizens of South East Europe deserve and expect progress. There is a clear and genuine will among all of us to face the future together and find common solutions to improve the daily lives of our citizens, concluded President Grabar- Kitarović.

47 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 47 Talks with President Pahor of Slovenia DUBROVNIK, 30 June The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar- Kitarović met today, on the sidelines of the Summit of Croatia s Chairmanship-in-Office of the South East European Cooperation Process and Dubrovnik Forum, with her Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor. Bearing in mind the unchanged positions of both countries on the arbitration procedure, they concluded that in such circumstances it is even more important to continue dialogue, mutual trust and dialogue between the two countries.

48 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 48 Working Meeting of Presidents of Croatia, Slovenia and Austria in Salzburg SALZBURG, 18 July At a trilateral meeting in Salzburg, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the Federal President of the Republic of Austria Dr. Alexander Van der Ballen and the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor agreed that it is necessary to continue to work on the future of the European Union primarily through joint efforts to resolve the problem of migration, climate change and consequences of Brexit. Our three countries believe in the European project and future of the European Union and Croatia s position is firm: with regard to the principle of solidarity, freedom, understanding and respect for human rights in Europe, but also faith in a union of sovereign, equal states, said President Grabar-Kitarović. She stated that the countries will strive to work on ensuring that Europe becomes the most prosperous and safe area in our globalized world. She added that Croatia is against any kind of European Union that would imply a multi-speed Europe. We resolutely oppose a Union that would imply a multi-speed Europe. We believe in a Union of cohesion that improves the standards of living and infrastructure in all our countries, said President Grabar- Kitarović. In her assessment, the greatest challenge besides Brexit is how to continue to promote European values in the bloc of 27 and how to spread them to the area of South-East Europe including Bosnia and Herzegovina. The stability of this country is of greatest importance for the stability of the region and Croatia strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina s path to the European Union and NATO, stated the President and expressed hope and faith that this country will gain candidate status.

49 COOPERATION WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES / 49 She emphasized that Croatia believes that the principle of equality of all three peoples must be respected in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed once again anxiety because of the involvement of a third party in the processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She commented on the security situation in South-East Europe and added that it was fairly complex. For the time being, Turkey is doing a great job in keeping migrants, however, should this change, this would destabilize this part of Europe. We firmly believe that the so-called Western Balkan route must remain closed, said the President of Croatia on the challenge of migration. The Federal President of Austria said that the future of the European Union depends on the unity of 27, and maybe 28. We need to stick together, stated the Federal President of the Republic of Austria and called upon young people to support the European Union politically and emotionally, because their future is at stake. He believes that it is important to keep European perspective for six countries of Western Balkans. These countries must and should accept and understand that it is the European Union s policy for them to become full-fledged members and that this is in their interest as well as in the interest of the European Union, he stated. The President of Slovenia Pahor said that Slovenia shares similar views on the future of the EU and European perspective for the Western Balkans.

50 GLOBAL AGENDA / 50 Prime Minister of Ukraine on Official Visit to Croatia ZAGREB, 12 June The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received the Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Borysovych Groysman during his official visit to the Republic of Croatia. President Grabar-Kitarović and Prime Minister Groysman assessed bilateral relations of the two states as very good and friendly. They agreed that this return visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine Groysman, and at the same time the first such visit, fosters further development of political and economic relations. In that spirit they indicated the activities of the Joint Working Group for Cooperation between the two states. President Grabar-Kitarović renewed the Republic of Croatia s strong support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine underscoring support for all international efforts aimed at achieving peace in that country. The Republic of Croatia is willing to share its experiences from its own process of peaceful integration. The President of the Republic emphasized strong support for Ukraine in institutions of the European Union, OCSE, United Nations and NATO. She congratulated Ukraine on achieving a visa-free regime with the European Union which became effective on June 11 th this year. The collocutors agreed on the imperative of continuing comprehensive reform processes in Ukraine which will additionally stimulate the Association Agreement s forthcoming entry into force whose ratification in European Union Member States was recently completed.

51 GLOBAL AGENDA / 51 The President of the Republic Received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan ZAGREB, 13 July In the year when the two countries mark the 25 th anniversary of diplomatic relations it is necessary to consider possibilities for strengthening overall bilateral relations. The United Arab Emirates wishes to have developed relations with the Republic of Croatia as well as some other countries in the neighborhood, emphasized Minister Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. As indicated during the talks, the direct link by Emirates airline between Zagreb and Dubai that has been established recently will certainly contribute to this enabling an increase in the number of tourists arriving from the United Arab Emirates in addition to stronger mutual links. The President of the Republic emphasized the importance of developing bilateral political and economic relations with the countries of the Persian Gulf, as well as those between the European Union and the Gulf countries, to which the Republic of Croatia gives its support. The President stressed that the Islamic community in the Republic of Croatia certainly contributes to stronger relations with this part of the world. The community can be a model for many other countries, a model of permeation of the community in society rather than its co-existence. The Minister of the United Arab Emirates expressed hope for the President s official visit to his country in the near future. The interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in South-East Europe and the Persian Gulf. The President of the Republic reiterated the Republic of Croatia s strong support to Southeast European countries on their path of accession to the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which represents the foundation for security and stability of the region and the European Union as a whole. With reference to the current crisis in the Persian Gulf, the President supported attempts at bridging over differences and divisions, which represents the universal interest of all the countries united in the joint fight against radicalism, extremism and terrorism. Minister Bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed his country s commitment to fighting radicalism and terrorism.

52 GLOBAL AGENDA / 52 President Meets with European Union High Representative Mogherini ZAGREB, 20 July The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Croatia. Discussion focused on current challenges in South-East Europe, with the emphasis on this area s security and stability and importance of continuing enlargement of the European Union. The interlocutors commented on the progress achieved and on prospects for further dynamic in individual countries, especially on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They agreed that this is not enlargement of the European Union but rather its consolidation, unification of European area, which will contribute to strengthening resilience of the entire European Union. It was concluded that there are positive steps forward in all countries. President Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia will continue to actively advocate a European future of all the countries of South-East Europe and will provide overall assistance on this path. The High Representative assessed that the Republic of Croatia is the strongest ally of the countries of its South-Eastern neighborhood in this undertaking. President Grabar-Kitarović acquainted EU High Representative Mogherini with the objectives and future steps within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative. She emphasized that the Initiative is primarily a cohesion project aimed at creating a more competitive and connected area among Central European Member States of the European Union, furthering thus the Union as a whole. The President of Croatia reiterated Croatia s position with regard to arbitration with Slovenia and said that Croatia is interested in resolving the outstanding border issue with Slovenia through dialogue. The Vice President of the European Commission assessed that dialogue between the leaderships of the two countries is encouraging.

53 GLOBAL AGENDA / 53 President Receives State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan ZAGREB, 20 July The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Nobuo Kishi during his official visit to the Republic of Croatia. President Grabar-Kitarović and Minister Kishi assessed that bilateral relations between the two countries are excellent, without outstanding issues and on the constant upswing. Prior to marking the 25 th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, both interlocutors expressed interest in strengthening overall bilateral political and economic relations. High-level visits would certainly contribute to this. President Grabar-Kitarović expressed her strong support for Japanese investments in Croatia and confirmed openness to economic cooperation, also within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative. Croatia s candidacy for OECD and Japan s bid to host EXPO 2025 world exhibition have been singled out in the context of the two countries constructive cooperation in multilateral organizations. Interlocutors expressed strong support to South-East European countries on their accession path to the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which represents the foundation for the security and stability of this area and the European Union as a whole.

54 GLOBAL AGENDA / 54 Sense of Croatia in Lika-Senj County LIKA-SENJ, 7 September In the scope of her visit to Lika-Senj County President Grabar-Kitarović met with chiefs of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Republic of Croatia at the Grabovača Cave Park in the scope of the Sense Croatia project. Prior to the outing with the President of the Republic, chiefs of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Republic of Croatia toured the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center in Smiljan, the Dr. Ante Starčević Memorial Home in Veliki Žitnik and the Ivan Vlainić family farm in Prvan Selo within the scope of the Sense Croatia project in Lika-Senj County.

55 GLOBAL AGENDA / 55 President Talked with Special Envoy of the President of the People s Republic of China ZAGREB, 13 September The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received the special envoy of the President of the People s Republic of China Jianzhu Meng who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Croatia. The high Chinese guest is simultaneously the Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China, President of the Central Public Security Comprehensive Management Commission and member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. The meeting highlighted the traditional good political relations and joint interest was confirmed for furthering and strengthening present cooperation with focus on the area of the economy, infrastructure and transportation, both bilaterally and in the China + 16 format. The number of Chinese visitors was welcomed which will be accelerated by the newly signed Memorandum regulating joint police patrols during the tourist season. The talks highlighted the Three Seas Initiative which both sides find compatible with the Chinese One Belt, One Road initiative. The President of the Republic emphasized the projects of construction of economic, transportation and energy infrastructure which could be of interest to the Chinese side, with an accent on the ports of Rijeka, Ploče, Vukovar and the railway Rijeka- Budapest. Also addressed were potential cooperation in shipbuilding and the food industry which will be definitely enhanced by the forthcoming opening of the Croatian Chamber of Economy s office in Shanghai.

56 GLOBAL AGENDA / 56 President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović Is Participating at the 13 th Informal Meeting of the Arraiolos Group VALLETTA, 14 September The Arraiolos Group is holding its largest meeting to date, where, in addition to the President of the Republic of Croatia, are the presidents of Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, Malta, Germany, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia. The gathering in Valletta of thirteen European presidents with non-executive powers addressed the issue of youth unemployment in Europe and ways to make them qualified for future competitive occupations. The Heads of State of European Union Member States are discussing ways for Europe to rediscover its fundamental values and a social model to achieve a higher level of solidarity, social justice and inclusion. Although the governments in their states hold the executive power, the presidents want the issue of social justice and citizen participation to be high on the daily agenda of Europe. Malta s President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca imagines Europe as a global leader in the quality of life of its citizens. We cannot only pursue economic growth and ignore social justice. We cannot sweep under the rug social problems which directly influence our societies, she indicated.

57 GLOBAL AGENDA / 57 Austrian president Aleksander van der Bellen agrees with her. He feels that no national government can fight against the market by itself, against Microsoft or Apple, but a strong European Union can. I invite you not only to deal with the rich, but with people who are having a hard time fulfilling their basic needs as well, Austrian president Van der Bellen stated. Speaking about the situation in Croatia, President Grabar-Kitarović stressed the main problems as being poor demographic trends and youth unemployment, and citizens who are blocked. Social disparities between our societies and Members of the old and new Europe should be reduced, stated President Grabar-Kitarović. She reiterated that the Croatian-Polish Three Seas Initiative must be dedicated to a more uniform standard of life of west and east Union Members. In terms of the integration of migrants in European society, she invited social inclusion for all, including migrants. Radicalism and extremism cannot be associated with any nationality, the President emphasized adding that Croatia is a prime example of successful integration of the Muslim minority. There is no development without security and there is no security without social justice and the rule of law, President Grabar-Kitarović underlined. The President also referred to education reform in Croatia describing it as being politicized. We urgently need a reform of the education system which unfortunately in Croatia is a political issue, instead of reaching a national consensus on this issue, the President concluded.

58 EU Presidents Discussed Security in the Euro-Mediterranean Area and Migrations VALLETTA, 15 September At the second working meeting of the Informal Meeting of the Arraiolos Group the Presidents of the European Union discussed issues of security in the Euro-Mediterranean area including the problem of migrations from Africa and the Middle East. The presidents agreed that the integration of migrants in European societies is crucial for them not to resort to radicalism and extremism which is sowing fear all across Europe. Dozens of people have been killed in terrorist threats in the past two years in a number of European cities. These terrorist attacks were carried out by domestic Islamic terrorists or those who arrived in a migration wave in We must ask ourselves where we have failed, what has made these young people choose death instead of life, Malta s President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca stated. The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- Kitarović feels that European society must be particularly inclusive for members of the Islamic community and efforts must be made towards the deradicalization of fighters returning from Syria or Iraq. We cannot only assume that they will accept our values of democracy and freedom, and in terms of the women, they must learn the value of self-respect, the Croatian President stated. The presidents agree that the root causes of the migrations should be resolved in Africa, including Libya from where most migrants come to Europe. Although the number of arrivals of migrants to Italy has fallen some 50 percent this summer, it remains the main point where smugglers transport migrants via the Mediterranean from poor countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. Controversy regarding migrant quotas within the European Union were also evident at the informal gathering in Valletta, when the German President reiterated a call for solidarity with Greece and Italy, while the Hungarian one called for fewer migrants, and more security. Views and News is a free electronic newsletter published by the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Pantovčak 241, Zagreb. Tel: 01/ ; Fax: 01/ All rights reserved. For a free subscription, to unsubscribe or comment: newsletter@predsjednica.hr.