July 9, 2012 - Parliamentary Secretary Bob Dechert took a leadership role for Canada’s delegation at the annual Croatia Summit.
The Croatia Summit, which was first held in 2006 and held annually in July (this year being the 7th Summit), brings together senior officials from the Central European/Balkans region, and senior officials from various countries to discuss current issues.
With Croatia expected to join the European Union on July 1, 2013, the Summit is currently viewed as a way to help other South Eastern Europe countries on their Euro-Atlantic course by promoting regional stability, economic growth and political integration. By bringing together high-level officials the Summit’s chief aim is to allow participants to exchange frank views on Euro-Atlantic issues that are relevant to all South Eastern Europe countries.
“I was glad to lead the Canadian delegation at the Croatia summit where we were able to reinforce Canada’s strong political links with key interlocutors from South Eastern Europe a region where our engagement has been historically significant” Mr Dechert continued “Given the number of high-level participants from over 27 delegations the Summit is an excellent opportunity to meet and promote Canada’s perspectives on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues, and particularly with regards to Canada-EU issues.”
Canada-Croatia relations have strengthened over the last few years particularly when Canada lifted the visa requirement for Croatians in 2009 and when Prime Minister Harper visited Croatia in 2010 and signed a Youth Mobility Arrangement.
Canada remains a natural partner for Croatia on many global issues including engagement in Afghanistan and human rights issues within the United Nations.
Among other dignitaries, the hearings included presentations by the Prime Ministers of Albania, Poland, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovinia, Slovakia and Romania.