Zagreb - Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and his Hungarian counterpart Laszlo Kover in Budapest on Tuesday said that Hungary and Croatia are two friendly, deeply connected countries whose relations should not be reduced to outstanding issues such as the one involving the oil companies INA and MOL.
"The key meaning of today's visit was to show that Croatia and Hungary are friendly countries and good neighbours and that their parliaments can create an environment in which these issues will be easily resolved," Jandroković said after talks with Kover, when asked if there was mention of Hungary's blocking Croatia's OECD entry, namely the issue of the INA-MOL dispute.
If the two legislative bodies could resolve outstanding issues with one law, they would most definitely do so, Kover added. It is not fair that Croatia-Hungary relations have focused on MOL and INA more than necessary, Kover said, adding that this was not useful. He said the two countries must not forget that they had more things in common than those setting them apart.
Jandroković said Croatia and Hungary could serve as an example of cooperation to other countries in many areas. He added that both Croatia and Hungary were happy with the protection of minority rights of Croats in Hungary and of Hungarians in Croatia. He also said there were over 50 joint cross-border cooperation projects financed by the EU and that this year over half a million Hungarian tourists visited Croatia. With investments worth over two billion euros, Hungary is one of the most important investors in Croatia.
Kover recalled that Hungary was currently chairing the Visegrad Group, saying his country wanted to intensify contacts in the region. He also underscored the importance of the Three Seas Initiative, launched by Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, saying Hungary was very interested in seeing its progress.
Earlier today, Jandrokovic held talks with Hungarian President Janos Ader. (Hina/Office of the Speaker)