Foreign Minister Tonino Picula and his Yugoslav counterpart release a joint statement

New York, Nov. 12 - Foreign minister Tonino Picula met Yugoslav Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic in a day-long negotiations. After  numerous issues were discussed, such as border, economic cooperation, return of the refugees and displaced persons to their homes, as well as people gone missing due to war, the two ministers released a joint statement.

The improvement of Croatian-Yugoslav relations is an important contribution to the overall stability of the region, the stabilization process and association with the European Union, the ministers agreed. By adopting the democratic principles and values, both countries have created a foundation for settlement of open issues stemming from the break-up of the former Yugoslav federation. The ministers have announced an exchange of ambassadors in the near future.

Starting from the Croatian-Yugoslav agreement on the normalization of relations, which states the two countries will respect each other as independent, sovereign and equal within their international borders, ministers agreed to take steps upon returning from New York in view of setting up an interstate commission  on borders.

Picula and Svilanovic plan to hold talks in Zagreb by the end of the year and sign several agreements aimed at boosting neighborly relations.