Statement

by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen following his meeting with Croatian Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms. Vesna Pusic

  • 11 Oct. 2013
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  • Last updated: 11 Oct. 2013 19:29

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Ms. Vesna Pusic

We just had a good discussion on international security issues of relevance to NATO.

I thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister for Croatia's strong contribution to NATO operations, as well as Smart Defence projects.

Croatia's integration into NATO and the European Union shows what can be achieved with hard work, and determination. 

Croatia has set an example for the Western Balkans region.

So today we also exchanged views on developments in the region.

Euro-Atlantic integration is the way ahead. I'm convinced that Croatia can play an important role in helping others in the region move forward with the necessary reforms.

NATO's door remains open. But aspirant countries need to make the required efforts and the necessary reforms to walk through that door. 

And I look forward to that day.