 | On the occasion of his first official visit to the Republic of Croatia, Dr Danilo Türk, President of the Republic of Slovenia, today met Croatian President Stjepan Mesiĉ. After a reception ceremony with military honours, the two presidents had a tête-à-tête, followed by a meeting between the Slovenian and Croatian delegations. Commenting on the meeting, President Türk said he and his host shared the opinion that although cooperation between the two countries could be assessed as good, it could nevertheless be further improved. As regards unresolved issues, Mr Türk expressed his principled position that solutions would have to be found by way of enhanced relations and cooperation at all levels, including visits such as the current one.
Croatian President Mesiĉ said the talks with his Slovenian counterpart were held in an open-minded and friendly manner. They discussed topics of interest to both sides, including unresolved issues. As regards the latter, they agreed that these need to be addressed with tolerance and by way of negotiations, and, if necessary, also by engaging a third party. "For us, relations with Slovenia are crucial. I speak of a neighbouring country with which we share not only a centuries-long history, but also today's and tomorrow's fortune," President Mesiĉ said. He added that good relations between the two countries were also important for the stability of the entire region. Stressing very good relations in all areas, the Croatian President nevertheless expressed regret that unresolved issues are being misused to support everyday political interests. He emphasised that in the future both countries should focus on wider and long-term interests. To this end, a climate of confidence and comprehensive cooperation should be built.
Slovenian President Türk expressed satisfaction with his first state visit to Croatia and advocated for communication between the two countries to intensify by exchanging visits, thus significantly contributing to the further enhancement of relations and the resolution of unresolved issues. "Our cooperation is highly developed and covers all areas. It can, however, be refined and further developed," President Türk said. Among the fundamental principles defining future cooperation between the two countries, he pointed out the principle of mutual respect – the very principle that facilitates the solid development of relations in all areas. He also highlighted the need for enhanced mutual trust and emphasised the importance of bilateral relations as a priority for both countries, since it is proper for the two neighbouring countries to give each other priority regarding the development of general bilateral cooperation. Mr Türk said that when dealing with the unresolved border issue, the principle of uti possidetis juris is sometimes not given enough emphasis. This means that territorial relations should remain unaltered from the state they were upon the formation of the two independent countries, pending the resolution of any specific problems and open issues regarding the delimitation.
During his official visit, President Türk also met the President of the Croatian National Assembly, Luka Bebiĉ, and the Croatian Prime Minister, Dr Ivo Sanader. He continued his visit by giving a lecture entitled "The UN Security Council Today and Tomorrow" in Narodni Dom in Zagreb and concluded it by meeting Slovenes who live in the Republic of Croatia. |