CROATIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE US DR. IVAN GRDESIC VISITS KANSAS CITY

 

Kansas City, Kansas, March 8, 2002 – Croatian Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Ivan Grdesic arrived to Kansas City today and attended dinner at the Kansas City Croatian Fraternal Union Hall, organized by Kansas City Croatian-Americans.

Kansas City Mayor, Carol Marinovich, a Croatian-American herself, attended the dinner as well and presented several awards for work done by Croatian-American groups and individuals that have made a positive impact to the benefit of both Kansas City and the people of Croatia.

 

During dinner, Ambassador Grdesic addressed the 200 Croatian-Americans gathered. The focus of the address was Croatian democratic transition and Croatian foreign policy priorities, successes and aspirations, such as joining the EU and NATO. Ambassador Grdesic also spoke about Croatian governments’ progress in undertaken substantial political and economic reforms, the overall political, economic and social situation in Croatia as well as Croatian-U.S. relations.

 

“Croatian-American relations have moved from an exclusively political phase to a new one. Now, our relations cover new topics,” said H.E. Ivan Grdesic. “One of the most important of these topics is our two countries' economic relations. The companies from the United States are today the most significant foreign investors in the Croatian economy. Croatian companies look forward to doing business with companies owned by Croatian-Americans as we see this possible synergy as an opportunity, within broad Croatian – U. S. economic cooperation”, said Grdesic.

 

Croatian ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Ivan Grdesic will attend the Kansas City Diplomatic Ball tomorrow. The traditional Kansas City Diplomatic Ball has been organized by Kansas City International Club for 30 years and gathers members of 58 nations living in the area, Croatian-Americans among them.

 

Prior to assuming his ambassadorial duties, Dr. Ivan Grdesic was professor at the Faculty of Political Science, Zagreb University, Croatia, where he earned his Ph.D. in political science. He is the author of several books and scientific articles, and has taught several postgraduate courses. He also spent three years researching and lecturing in the U.S.