CROWN PRINCE VISITS CROATIA

Zagreb, Belgrade 10 October 2006 - Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine accompanied by Mr. Dusan Babac, Member of The Privy Council visited Zagreb today where they were warmly welcomed by His Excellency President Stjepan Mesic of the Republic of Croatia.

During their conversation in Presidency of the Republic of Croatia, HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and HE President Stjepan Mesic discussed about positions of two neighbouring countries, Serbia and Croatia in the European Union. HRH Crown Prince Alexander pointed out that Serbia should follow the example of Croatia for its good strategy and positioning skills that this country has shown during the last period. His Royal Highness stressed the importance of diplomatic solutions, compromises and negotiating skills that we all have to improve. His Royal Highness also discussed with President Mesic the rights of minorities and particularly the Serbs in Croatia. The Crown Prince also mentioned the importance of economic relations and increased trade between Serbian and Croatia.

Their Royal Highnesses also met with the representatives of the religious communities in Zagreb: His Eminence Metropolitan Jovan of Zagreb – Ljubljana and Italy. Mufti Sefko Omerbasic. Rabi Zvi Eliezer Alonije in their residences. Unfortunately, Their Royal Highnesses could not meet with His Eminence Cardinal Josip Bozanic since he was out of the Country due to his obligations. On behalf of His Eminence the Royal Couple was welcomed by Monsignor Batelija. His Royal Highness emphasized that we all have to work together in building and strengthening the bridges between all people regardless of their religion or ethnic origin.

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine visited the Serbian Cultural Society “Prosveta” where they met with Mr. Milorad Pupovac President of the Serbian National Council and Mr. Cedimir Visnjic President of “Prosveta”.

Their Royal Highnesses were warmly welcomed by HE Ambassador Radivoj Cveticanin in the Serbian Embassy in Zagreb, were they had lunch with Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of Greece, Russia, Great Britain and Bosnia and Herzegovina.