- Published: 02.10.2009.
Croatian PM receives Qatari minister for Islamic affairs
Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor on Friday received the Qatari minister of endowments and Islamic affairs, Ahmad Bin Abdullah Al-Mari.
Kosor said Croatia was open for stronger cooperation in the economy, recalling a recent visit by Qatari Emir Al-Thani and announcing that Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Jandrokovic would soon visit Qatar accompanied by an economic delegation.The two officials also discussed cooperation in tourism, with Al-Mari suggesting scholarships for Croatian students who would like to study in Qatar.
The talks underlined the importance of good relations between the Catholic majority and other religious communities in Croatia. Kosor said she was happy about tomorrow's start of construction of an Islamic centre in the northern Adriatic city of Rijeka, which the Qatari delegation are due to attend.
Al-Mari said Qatar supported Croatia's road to the European Union, describing Croatia as a progressive and modern country, one of the leading ones in Europe in terms of infrastructure and above many EU countries.
Kosor thanked him for the support, saying today was a special day because six negotiation chapters were opened and five were closed at an accession conference with the EU.