Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Monday received a delegation of the European Investment Bank, led by EIB Vice-President Matthias Kollatz-Ahnen, the President's Office said in a statement.
President Mesic thanked the delegation for the EIB's support to Croatia. Croatia and EIB restored cooperation in 2000 and to date the bank has granted funds for the financing of 25 projects in Croatia, worth EUR 1.719 billion, including the projects of the reconstruction and construction of roads and highways, gas pipelines, railways and utility infrastructures. The construction of the road networks should be followed by the reconstruction and modernisation of the railway network, notably for the cargo transport, it was said at the talks.
The EIB delegation stressed the bank would continue to support Croatia, notably the completion of infrastructure projects, the modernisation of industry and the strengthening of local self-government units. It was also underlined that all forms of EIB assistance would be available to Croatia after it joins the European Union, the statement said.