German and Croatian Presidents Meet in Berlin – ‘This is the Start of a New Partnership Between Germany and Croatia’

Croatia’s President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović has been greeted by German President Joachim Gauck on Tuesday in Berlin as she arrived for he first official visit to Germany…

“This is your second overseas trip. I am glad that you quickly decided to come here. We want to work together to intensify the cooperation between Germany and Croatia. At least 240,000 Croats live in Germany, and they enrich our society,” said Gauck in his introduction.

“Croatia has been part of the European Union for two years and your country has undertaken great efforts to become a member. But, I know that reform processes have not been completed and we will discuss those. Croatia is facing huge economic challenges and reforms are important because they allow prosperity and growth of the economy,” said the German President, adding that Croatia is a role model for other Western Balkan countries.

“Croatia is the bridge between the EU and those countries. Your readiness to continue reforms is an example to other nations in the region who want to enter the EU,” he said.

“I see this as a symbolic confirmation of the versatile relations between our countries and true friendship between our citizens,” Croatia’s President replied.

“Croatia understands the key role of Germany in European and transatlantic architecture. Croatia knows where it belongs and who her friends are. We will review the state of bilateral relations, and the agenda of the EU, with special emphasis on the application to enter Schengen,” said Grabar-Kitarovic, adding that she wants relations between the two countries to be stronger economically, reports RTL.

“I am sure that is the start of a new partnership between Germany and Croatia,” she said.