ZAGREB, 17 March 2022 - Wrapping up his visit to Spain on Wednesday evening, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced the further strengthening of bilateral relations in economy, science, culture in the Mediterranean as well as cooperation in international issues such as the Ukraine conflict.
"Spain has extended strong political support for Croatia's entry to Schengen, the euro area and the OECD. We appreciate the cooperation in the Mediterranean", Plenković said after meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Plenković was the first Croatian prime minister who visited Spain since 1996.
"I took the opportunity for talks on Southeast Europe as well, on the need to reform the election law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We want that law to be just for all three constituent peoples, so that they can elect their true representatives", he said, adding that Croatia will support BiH on its EU path.
The situation in BiH is not in Madrid's focus.
Sánchez said they confirmed that they would strengthen the bilateral relations and commended the cooperation with Croatia in the Council of the EU.
This year marks 30 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.
After meeting with Sánchez, Plenković met with Congress of Deputies President Meritxell Batet for talks on parliamentary cooperation and the humanitarian repercussions of the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
He was then received by King Felipe VI at the royal palace.
Speaking to the press afterwards, Plenković said the meeting was cordial. They exchanged views on bilateral and European matters.
"Faced with new security challenges, we are strengthening our partnership within the EU and NATO", he wrote on Twitter.
King Felipe VI vacationed on the Croatian coast in the past and an official visit is being arranged.
Plenković wrapped up his visit by meeting with the Croats living in Madrid at the Croatian Embassy, telling them to continue to develop cooperation in all areas.
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