Zagreb, 06 June 2012 – The Croatian Government expressed its readiness to deepen its cooperation with the Republic of Kosovo. This stand was made clear during the meeting that the Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj, held today with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Croatia, Radimir Cacic.

At this occasion, the number two of the Croatian Government has promised to remain personally committed to the advancement of bilateral cooperation between Kosovo and Croatia, with special emphasis in the sphere of economy, with the aim of ensuring prompter economic development of both countries.

For his part, Minister Beqaj assessed that economic cooperation between the two countries is of special significance, especially bearing in mind that from next year Croatia will become a full member of the European Union.

Head of MED underscored the spheres in which cooperation with Croatia could be further deepened, including energy, telecommunications, development of institutional capacities and obtainment of Croatian experiences and relations with the EU.

In this meeting, Minister Beqaj and Deputy-Minister Cacic have discussed the Framework Agreement to be signed by the governments of both countries, which will further advance economic and politic relations between Kosovo and Croatia.

Meanwhile during his stay in Croatia, Minister Beqaj took part in special meetings held by the Kosovo delegation lead by President Atifete Jahjaga with the Croatian President Ivo Josipovic, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, the Speaker of the Assembly Boris Sprem and the Albanian community in Croatia.