New York

25 September 2013

Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Ivo Josipovic, President of the Republic of Croatia

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Ivo Josipovic, President of Croatia.  They exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans region and the advances in regional cooperation.  President Josipovic and the Secretary-General agreed that reconciliation is vital for a prosperous and stable future in the region.

The Secretary-General commended Croatia’s initiative to convene a High-Level Event on “women’s economic empowerment for peacebuilding” on the margins of the General Debate and Croatia’s Presidency of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2013.  He also congratulated Croatia upon its recent accession to the European Union and encouraged Croatia to share its experiences with other neighbouring countries aspiring to membership.