An introductory word from the Minister |
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the fifth Yearbook of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration that has now become a tradition. We believe that this year's edition will give you a complete insight into the achievements of Croatian foreign policy and the overall activities of the foreign affairs service during 2009.
First and foremost, I would like to point out that the foreign policy activities of the Republic of Croatia witnessed many significant events and achieved considerable success in 2009. I would primarily underline the fulfilment of one of the most important foreign policy objectives – membership of NATO. The membership accession process encompasses all segments of society and requires the implementation of a wide spectrum of reforms. Therefore, our membership of NATO is not only confirmation of the success of the defence sector of the Republic of Croatia, but also an affirmation of Croatian society as a whole. Today, within the framework of the military-political club of NATO countries, we participate on an equal footing with other countries of the alliance and with partners in all the activities of
NATO, giving our contribution to the preservation of peace and global security.
We have also recorded important achievements within the scope of the European integration process. After reaching an arbitration agree- ment between the Croatian and Slovenian Prime Ministers Jadranka Kosor and Borut Pahor, based on the principles of international law, good neighbourly relations and dialogue, after a blockade lasting almost one year negotiations for the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union continued. A new impetus to the negotiation process was given and thus by the end of 2009 we had opened 28 negotiating chapters, of which 17 have been provisionally closed.
On its part, with the decision to form a working group for drafting the text of the Accession Treaty for Croatia and with the adoption of a Financial Package of EUR 3.5 billion for the first two years of membership, the European Union has provided additional stimulus for our efforts in the accession process.
Fully dedicated to this process, we work intensively and carry out reforms that are not only part of the European Union accession process but also represent the necessary prerequisites for the further successful development of Croatia and are of benefit to our citizens and society as a whole.
On the international scene in 2009, the Republic of Croatia asserted itself as a country whose activities positively contribute to peace and security in many parts of the world. At the end of 2009, our two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council came to a close. During that period we participated in all important processes within the framework of the United Nations.
Our sense of responsibility in relation to security issues at a global level has also been evident, given that for a decade now, we have been part of international peacekeeping operations. Within this context, our participation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan is by far our most notable contribution. By financing the Health Centre in Layoba, opened in 2009, we have also set foundations for greater engagement in the process of providing international developmental assistance.
Croatia was also actively involved in all other international organisations where, as the future 28th member of the EU, we generally aligned our positions with those of the European Union. At the same time, the countries of South East Europe remained in the focus of our foreign policy. Consistently pointing out the needs of the region and of our neighbouring countries that also wish to be an integral part of European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes, we emphasized that their imminent integration into European structures would be an additional impetus for the stability and security not only
of this part of Europe, but also for the European Union itself. We encouraged mutual co-operation and assisted countries in the region in carrying out reforms, highly aware that their membership of the EU and NATO was also in our strategic interest.
Croatia maintained intensive bilateral contacts with key actors at the global international scene, from the USA and Canada to Russia and China. Among a large number of bilateral meetings with representatives of countries from nearly all parts of the world that took place during 2009, I would like to point out the meeting with US State Secretary Hillary Clinton. There were almost 130 meetings at the highest levels, which were often also followed by economic forums in which we presented Croatia as a safe destination with excellent prospects for foreign investment.
Along with activities in the area of economic diplomacy, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration we have continued to improve our operational processes and IT connectivity and have also rationalised our work. It is particularly important to point out that the new building of the Ministry has enabled us to take a qualitative step forward in our work, given that nearly all the services and other organisational units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration are now in one location. This has, of course, reduced costs and expedited organisational and work processes.
Activities focused on strengthening the functionality, rationality and efficiency of the overall foreign affairs service will also continue in the upcoming period.
Finally, bearing in mind all that we have achieved in 2009, I am convinced that 2010 will also be an exceptionally productive and dynamic year for the work of the Croatian foreign affairs service. We will further strengthen the international position of the Republic of Croatia, provide full support for all our citizens outside Croatia, and actively contribute to the overall development and prosperity of our country.
The first year of membership in NATO