Today, the 2nd Political Consultations Meeting between Argentina and Croatia was held, chaired by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Daniel Raimondi, and by the Croatian Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Zdravka Busic.
This is the first visit by a Croatian Deputy Foreign Minister to Argentina, which marks the beginning of a new stage in the bilateral relationship, seven years after the last meeting at this level held in Zagreb, and within the framework of the policy of Argentina's smart insertion into the world.
At the meeting, participants underscored the significant ties that have joined the two countries since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1992. The influence of the Croatian community in our country was especially praised, as it has deepened bonds and contributed to the construction of Argentina, becoming an important part of our national heritage.
The Deputy Foreign Ministers reviewed the most important items on the bilateral agenda, highlighting the solid basis on which the bilateral relationship can be strengthened and placing a special emphasis on the existing potential for increasing trade and investment exchange, while they also identified areas of interest and underscored the role of SMEs and the shared interest in working on value chains with reference to the production profiles of each economy.
As Deputy Foreign Minister Raimondi underscored the importance of the MERCOSUR - EU negotiation process, Croatia expressed its coinciding view, and views were exchanged on Argentina and Croatia's process of accession to the OECD.
Among other topics addressed were the possibilities of cooperation at multilateral fora regarding the prospects offered by the next international meetings on climate change and human rights-related initiatives, as well as the exchange of mutual support for candidacies at international organizations.
As regards agreements, the countries agreed to move forward with the negotiations of the programme on cultural cooperation.
Croatia congratulated Argentina on the organization of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference and pledged to participate in the Conference through a high-level delegation. In addition, Croatia wished Argentina every success as it takes on the G-20 Presidency.
Finally, each delegation expressed its view on the main developments in their regions and at the global level, and on Argentina and Croatia's position in such contexts.
Press release No. 473/17
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