Croatian, North Rhine-Westphalia PMs to talk economic relations

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic met with North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Armin Laschet in Duesseldorf on Saturday for talks, as announced before the meeting, that would focus on boosting economic relations and creating conditions for investing in Croatia.

"I'm glad that today we'll talk about the advancement of relations between Croatia and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Europe's economically strongest regions, comparable with the Netherlands," Plenkovic said ahead of the talks.

He pointed to Croatia's cooperation with Germany's states, notably cooperation aimed at improving economic relations. "Today's visit is part of a policy which, apart from good relations with Angela Merkel's federal government, wants to strengthen relations with some (German) states."

Laschet underlined the importance of intensifying contacts with Croatia, notably ahead of the year in which Germany and Croatia will chair the European Council.

"Today we have the chance to talk about some bilateral matters. Croatia is a country which did a lot in a very short time to become a member of the European Union and is now preparing to enter the Schengen Area," he said ahead of the talks.

Plenkovic said they would also talk about European matters. Both were members of the European Parliament. "We understand well what is cooperation at parliamentary level and what is cooperation at government level."

Plenkovic said the Steiger Award he would receive in Essen tonight for advocating European unity was "a recognition to Croatia as the newest member of the European Union." He said Croatia was making "a lot of effort to join the euro area soon too."

Laschet said "Croatia is a completely European country, which gives us hope now that members are leaving the European Union."

He will speak at the ceremony at which Plenkovic will receive the Steiger Award.

On Sunday, Plenkovic will meet representatives of the Croatian community in North Rhine-Westphalia and Croatian exhibitors at the Pri Wino wine fair in Duesseldorf.

Text: Hina

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