Zagreb, (IKA) – On March 12, the recently installed President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, hosted, a reception for the heads of the diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in the Republic of Croatia. After the President delivered a welcoming speech, in which she presented the priorities of international policies, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Apostolic Nuncio in the Republic of Croatia, Archbishop Alessandro D’Errico, thanked the President on his own behalf and on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Croatia and the international organizations with headquarters in Zagreb for inviting them to the reception.
He recalled the President’s swearing-in ceremony and inauguration speech, noting that the foreign representatives appreciate the President’s call for national unity and consensus on key issues, as well as her openness toward the international community and desire to maintain and continue to develop good relations with neighboring countries. He particularly referred to the emphasis in the President’s inauguration speech on the importance of family, religion and culture in the preservation of Croatian identity. In this context, he said that the diplomatic representatives will be privileged to share their concerns about these important topics and sincerely work together for the development of Croatia and for the prosperity and welfare of all Croatian citizens.
“We do not underestimate the problems that you have to confront in your daily duties, particularly the challenges coming from the global economic crisis and some delicate situations at the local and regional levels, mostly inherited from the past. We are confident that, bearing in mind the goals that you intend to achieve at the domestic and international levels, under your wise guidance Croatia will be able to overcome the present difficulties, as it has so many times in its history,” said Nuncio D’Errico. In conclusion, he congratulated the President on her election and said: “May God Almighty bless you and your family, the Government and all those in various fields who contribute to the advancement and prosperity of this noble nation.”