Croatian, Czech prime ministers discuss Croatia's EU entry talks

ZAGREB, Dec 6 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader met in Prague on Friday evening with Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, whose country will take over the six-month presidency of the European Union on 1 January 2009.

The Czech prime minister organised a dinner for his Croatian counterpart, at which they discussed Croatia's EU entry talks. Topolanek said that this issue would be one of the priorities of the Czech EU Presidency and expressed his country's support for the completion of Croatia's EU membership talks in 2009.

Topolanek also supported Croatia's integration with NATO, saying that the protocol on Croatia's admission to NATO was sent to the Czech parliament for consideration and that it would be ratified in the coming weeks so that Croatia could become a full NATO member before the 60th anniversary of the alliance, to be marked at a summit in Strasbourg and Kehl on April 3 and 4.

PM Sanader thanked Topolanek for his support and informed him about the efforts Croatia was making on the road to the EU and NATO.

The two prime ministers also discussed current issues in the European Union, from the impact of the global financial crisis on the European economy to the process of ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon.

PM Sanader underlined the importance of the Czech Republic ratifying the treaty.

The two officials also talked about the strengthening of bilateral relations, notably in the economic sector.



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