President Lennart Meri received Zheljko Boshnjak, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Estonia, who came to present his credentials, in Kadriorg today.

In his speech, the Ambassador said that the Croatians, who only achieved territorial integrity at the end of the war in 1998, are ready to forgive and build friendly relations and bridges of co-operation with all neighbours and nations of Europe. Estonia and Croatia are facing similar tasks of establishing a prosperous economic system and achieving a better standard of living for citizens. Croatia hopes to follow Estonia's successful path of integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

As President Meri said, Estonia prefers relations with small countries to communication with great powers, and this is one of the reasons why Estonia was among the first to recognise Croatia. Both Estonians and Croatians have been the objects of totalitarian regimes, and furthermore, the assimilation policy of such regimes, and this is why there is a better understanding between them. The future co-operation between the two countries through international organisations and fostering of bilateral relations is advantageous to both. As the President said, Estonia recognises the economic reforms initiated in Croatia and is glad to be thought of as an example on this path.

The events of Kosovo and the bilateral relations between the Estonia and Croatia were also discussed on the meeting between the Estonian Head of State and the Croatian Ambassador.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 18, 1999

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