President of the Slovak Republic pays visit to the city of Split

During the official visit to Croatia, President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič also visited the city of Split and after a meeting with Mayor Ivan Kuret spoke at the Slovak-Croatian trade forum.

According to the President, whilst the economic cooperation between Slovakia and Croatia is increasing it still cannot be seen as sufficient. “Considering that our countries have amicable relations and are very close, it really is not enough. It could be said that our opportunities are unlimited and there is nothing in the way of our cooperation,” President Ivan Gašparovič said at the forum.

The President thinks that Slovakia is gradually realising how big Croatia’s potential is in the area of minerals and thermal springs, as well as in tourism. These areas offer immense possibilities for cooperation. Ivan Gašparovič said that it was hard to compete with Croatia in tourism and travel. However, he invited the Croats to visit Slovakia and see for themselves that our country has a lot to offer.

In his speech delivered to the Croatian Chamber of Economy, the Slovak President also appreciated that the Slovak government had adopted measures to stabilize the economy to withstand impacts from the world financial crisis. Ivan Gašparovič expressed belief that the “upcoming membership of Croatia in the European Union will instigate an even closer and more fruitful cooperation.”

The highlight of the official visit of the Slovak President and his wife to Croatia was the opening of the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Croatia. President Ivan Gašparovič ceremonially opened this institute in Split. The Honorary Consulate will be led by businessman Antun Plančič.

The opening of the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Croatia is another step towards demonstrating the full support of Slovakia for Croatia, which is currently trying to meet conditions for accession to the EU and NATO. Slovakia tries to assist Croatia on a bilateral level, particularly through its experience in the accession process.