The visit of a Croatian Minister is an important event for Switzerland. 

The independence and unity for which Croatia has fought so dearly, have paved the way to a renaissance of the Croatian State, a state with new-found freedom, and heir to a rich cultural legacy.  More than ten years have gone by since the sovereign State of Croatia was proclaimed on June 25th 1991.  Yet Croatia had existed already for more than 1000 years – indeed, ever since the year 925 when Tomislav proclaimed himself Rex Croatorum. 

The presence of a considerable number of Croatians here in our country – primarily represented by highly valued members of the workforce – illustrates an additional link of friendship between our two countries.  In fact, one of them, Mr. Robert Ismajlović, has recently been elected Mister Switzerland!

At the helm in Croatia is Mr. Stipe Mešić, a person well known and greatly appreciated by the Swiss parliamentarians who participate at the various international parliamentary assemblies.  President Mešić is a guarantor of Croatia's progress along the road to a democratic state worthy of its European partners' respect. 

Croatia's government is faced with the daunting task of bringing the country's economic situation under control so that the escalating rate of unemployment can be brought to a halt.  Switzerland is ready and willing to make a contribution to Croatia's economic recovery. 

Croatia's resolve to engage in close cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague has not escaped our attention, and we applaud you for this.  In addition, in having made the decision to lend support to the Kfor troops, you are making a direct, major contribution to the consolidation of peace in the entire region. 

Three years ago, a conference on the Stability Pact for Europe took place in Zagreb.  Switzerland had just entered into the Pact and Mr. Hanspeter Seiler, President of the National Council at the time, participated at the conference.  This too bears witness to our interest in Croatia, the country which is home to the Dalmatian coast with the magnificent fortress of Dubrovnik – Ragusa, in days gone bye – a destination of enchantment for many of my fellow countrymen. 

Last year, Mrs. Maury Pasquier took part in a conference of Speakers of the Parliamentary Assemblies of the member countries of the Council of Europe organized in Zagreb.  She was brimming with enthusiasm when she spoke to me about her trip.  Accompanied by Ambassador Widmer, she also visited certain regions in the process of post-war reconstruction. 

Let me wish you success for the European future of Croatia.  When I think to myself that you will be ahead of us in entering the European Union, I marvel at the paradox.

I raise my glass to the health of the Croatian government, and extend my congratulations to my male, tie-wearing colleagues who are well aware of the fact that cravate, the French word for this ornament of masculine apparel, is derived from the name of your beautiful country.