Washington, September 15, 2004 – The new Ambassador of Croatia to the United States, His Excellency Neven Jurica, presented his Letter of Credence to President Bush at the White House this afternoon.
In his remarks to President Bush, Ambassador Jurica recalled the close and warm relationship between his country and the United States, which goes back to Croatia’s most difficult time, when Croatia gained independence and fought for freedom, peace and prosperity. “During this period, the American Government provided immeasurable assistance and the Croatian people will never forget this gesture of friendship, for it is built into the very foundations of Croatia’s freedom,” said Ambassador Jurica.
Referring to Croatia’s integration into the European Union, Ambassador Jurica said that his Government “shares the European ideal of a Europe whole and free, which is also the unwavering position of the United States.” He noted that the Croatian Government was encouraged when the European Union granted Croatia candidate status for European Union membership last June, while also announcing the date for the beginning of accession negotiations, and “that this decision was a huge incentive for Croatia’s eastern neighbors to follow her path with even greater intensity.”
Ambassador Jurica reiterated Croatia’s wish to become a member of NATO and said that he expects a continuation of the United States’ support towards this goal. This support is exemplified by the open door policy, which is being applied to Croatia and which served as an incentive for the Croatian Government to complete necessary and needed reforms. Ambassador Jurica stressed that the Croatian Government views NATO expansion into Southeast Europe as a vital contribution to permanent stability in this part of the world, and that the framework of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter is extremely important in achieving this goal.
The Ambassador referred to the vital role played by the United States in fighting terrorism throughout the world, noting that Croatia is a member of the Antiterrorist Coalition whose partnership and full engagement in the global war on terrorism can always be relied on. He said that Croatia is an active participant in many international stabilization and peace operations and is ready for closer cooperation with the United States in providing assistance to the Transition Government in Iraq and widening the current engagement in Afghanistan.
Ambassador Jurica expressed satisfaction in regard to economic ties between Croatia and the United States, while stressing the importance of a further increase in trade and commerce between the two countries. The Ambassador noted that people of Croatian descent had contributed greatly to the success and prosperity enjoyed by the United States, and added that a new wave of U.S. investment in Croatia will be an important contributor to Croatia’s economic success. “Americans of Croatian origin,” remarked the Ambassador, “have steadily and dedicatedly worked to deepen, extend and strengthen political, economic and cultural relations between [Croatia and the United States] and they are one of the strongest pillars of friendship and partnership between our two countries and peoples.”
The Ambassador concluded by expressing his hope that the strong traditional links between Croatia and the United States would be further strengthened and developed during his tenure.
In presenting his Letter of Credence to President Bush, Ambassador Jurica was accompanied by his wife Dunja and daughter Darija.