U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday gave her strong support to Croatia to enter the European Union on 1 July 2013 and also encouraged Croatia to continue implementing economic reforms and improve the investment climate for American and other investors.
"I am looking forward to Croatia's accession to the EU very soon," Clinton said at a news conference which she held together with President Ivo Josipovic in Zagreb on Wednesday afternoon after the two held talks in the presidential headquarters.
Asked whether, despite problems with Slovenia, Croatia would join the EU as planned on 1 July 2013, the state secretary said that both President Josipovic and Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic had reassured her that Croatia would be ready for EU membership.
Just as we have done so far, we continue supporting Croatia's path towards Europe, Mrs. Clinton said, describing Croatia as an anchor in the region and a prosperous country that can serve as a model to its neighbours.
