U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided strong support for Croatia’s entry into the EU in Zagreb, but also warned Zagreb to continue with economic reforms and improve the investment climate for American and other investors.
“I can’t wait for Croatia to join the EU, and very soon,” Clinton said at a joint press conference with President Ivo Josipović after their meeting.
When asked if she expects this to happen as planned on July 1, 2013, despite issues with Slovenia, the Secretary of State said that Josipović and Prime Minister Zoran Milanović assured her that Croatia would be ready for membership. She added that Croatia is an ‘anchor’ in the region, a prosperous country that can be an example to its neighbors. In response to reporters’ questions, Hillary Clinton stated that Croatia is an excellent place for investment. “We see potential, we support Croatia in its efforts to reduce administrative procedures and accelerate privatization. We are ready to help, we have several programs to create a good climate for entrepreneurs,” Clinton said.
Clinton confirmed that there is significant interest from American companies to invest in Croatia during a conversation at a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović. “Croatia has enormous potential and we are optimistic about your future,” Clinton emphasized. The Secretary of State congratulated the Croatian government on the measures taken towards budget stabilization.
Milanović and Clinton discussed Croatia’s upcoming entry into the European Union and the situation in the region, with the Prime Minister highlighting the unequivocal support of the Republic of Croatia for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of its neighbors. “It is in Croatia’s interest that our neighbors become part of the European Union,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the European Union means stability.
There was also discussion about the global economic situation in Europe and the world, as well as the reactions of the European Union and the U.S. to the fragile economic situation worldwide. The meeting also included Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić.
