The official mission to Croatia by the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Giorgio Silli, took place in Zagreb on 16 and 17 November 2002 and closed today. The aim of the official visit was to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Croatia and to strengthen the already excellent relations that exist between the two Countries.
During his stay in Zagreb, the Undersecretary met with his Croatian counterpart, Andreja Metelko-Zgombić and the Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Croatia, Dino Mihanović, to discuss key international dossiers of interest to both Rome and Zagreb, including the Trilateral Cooperation in the North Adriatic (which also includes Slovenia) on the environmental protection and the maritime economy of the area, reducing the dependency on Russian gas, and their common support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Moreover, they acknowledged the excellent economic and commercial relations binding the two Countries.
Last night, the Undersecretary attended the event organised by the Italian Embassy in Zagreb to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Croatia, featuring a performance by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and Italian tenor, Vittorio Grigolo. “We want to mention the important historic and cultural role played by our minorities in promoting cooperation between our Countries and friendship between our peoples,” said Undersecretary Silli in a public address to introduce the concert. He went on: “I proudly remember the common and mutual commitment of our governments to continue to assure the protection of the rights of our local communities.” On the sidelines of the event, the Undersecretary met with Hon. Furio Radin, the Vice President of the Croatian Parliament and parliamentary representative of the Italian minority in Sabor, and with Maurizio Tremul, President of Unione Italiana, to reaffirm Italy’s deep regard for the Italian-speaking communities abroad and especially in the Balkans.
Lastly, the Undersecretary’s official visit offered the opportunity to reaffirm Italy’s attention to the latest developments in the Western Balkans, whose regional security and stability is closely followed by our Country.