During the lunch, wines of Croatia were offered by the Ambassador from his private collection to the guests. Ambassador Grlic-Radman spoke of the over 300 various wine regions of Croatia that produce 50,000 tons of wine annually.

Ambassador Grlic-Radman’s formal address focused on the progress that Croatia has made in the foreign policy in the past few decades, its reconstruction after the war after the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the beginning of a market economy, reforms in currency, infrastructure development, enviornmental protection and especially tourism and agricultural transformation.

He drew attention to Croatia’s assession into the European Union, ennumerating the criterion and steps taken by the Croatian government and society to finally achieve this goal in 2013.

Ambassador Grlic-Radman expressed appreciation for the close support and counsel of the Hungarian government in helping a sister nation become a more integrated part of the European family.

The Ambassador also stressed the growing ties between Hungary and Croatia with the construction of strategic corridors between the nations such as the Budapest to Rijeka motorway, fuel pipelines and other energy networks. He stated that trade between Hungary and Croatia in 2012 amounted to €736 million and that 11.1% of the total foreign investment of Croatia is from Hungarian sources. Also, in 2013 that 360 000 Hungarian tourists visited Croatia—up 8.6% over the previous year.

A question period followed Ambassador Grlic-Radman’s talk. Dr. Royaards thanked the Ambassdor for his visit and offered him a special Grandhouse gift as a token of appreciation.

Source: grandhouseclub.org