(No. 374 - December 7, 2009 - 1:15 p.m. EST) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today in Ottawa met with Croatia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Gordan Jandroković.
"Canada appreciates Croatia's active promotion, in the Balkans and elsewhere, of our shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and freedom and security," said Minister Cannon.
The ministers reaffirmed the importance they attach to further strengthening relations between the two countries. They also discussed continued Euro-Atlantic integration in Croatia and the region as a whole.
The two ministers signed a declaration of intent to pursue an arrangement between Canada and Croatia on youth mobility. Such an arrangement would make it easier for Canadian and Croatian youths to travel and work in each other's country.
Canada currently has youth mobility arrangements with 20 countries. Four more have been signed since March with Spain, Slovenia, Lithuania and Hong Kong, and will likely be implemented in 2010. Similar arrangements are expected in the coming months with Estonia, Slovakia and Hungary.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
