Addis Ababa, 31st October 2012- Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Natama, Chief of Staff, Bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), received the copies of the letters of the new Permanent Representative of Croatia to the African Union H.E Mr. Darko Javorski on 31st October in his office at AU Headquarters to present it to the Chairperson of the AUC Dr. Nkhosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Welcoming the new Permanent Representative, the Chief of Staff assured the Ambassador of the full support of the Commission to enhance the relations between the AUC and Croatia, in light of the mutual desire of the two sides to develop and widen their ties of cooperation in various fields.

“I can assure you that the African Union will continue to collaborate with Croatia and we hope to benefit from all the support we can get from your country to deal with all the challenges facing our continent to improve the living conditions of the people in Africa ,” the Chief of Staff stated.

Both sides stressed the fact that they will continue to strive for increased economic development, political co-operation, peace and security among others of mutual interests.

On his part, Ambassador Javorski thanked the Chief of Staff for receiving copies of his letters, and expressed his country's commitment to enhance the capacity of the AUC as well as its support for the efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development in Africa. He added that Croatia is looking forward to intensify its cooperation with the African continent.

He praised the African Union for the valuable role it has played in the region and continues to play in the development of the continent, as well as in the promotion of peace, security and stability in the different parts of the region.

The Chief of Staff and the Ambassador of Croatia exchanged views on several other issues of mutual cooperation.