Benedict XVI Meets With Croatian Prime Minister

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 15, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI met with the prime minister of Croatia, Jadranka Kosor, on Saturday in the Vatican.

After this audience, Kosor met with the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, along with Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.

A Vatican communiqué reported that the "focal point of the cordial discussions was a fruitful exchange of opinions on a number of current international questions, and on the situation in the region."

It added that particular attention was given "to the condition of the Croatian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the three peoples who make up that country."

Both parties "reconfirmed their mutual will to continue constructive dialogue on matters of joint interest for the Church and the Croatian State."

The meetings concluded with a consideration of "certain themes concerning Croatia's path towards full integration into the European Union."