Croatia, Latvia want strong, secure EU: presidents

ZAGREB, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Croatia and Latvia want a strong Europe, as well as to preserve the unity of the European Union and NATO, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and visiting Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis agreed here on Thursday.

The presidents said that only a strong and secure European Union could be a guarantor of security in this part of the world.

"Our goal is to strengthen the European Union and enable the security of Western Balkan countries, as well as stronger relations with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova," said Vejonis who was on a one-day official visit to Croatia.

He thanked Croatia for participating in NATO's mission in the Baltic Sea and said that Latvia considers NATO the most important military alliance in the world.

Croatian President Grabar-Kitarovic pointed out that the two countries have similar views on many of the most important issues on the foreign policy agenda, and that for Croatia the defensive initiatives of the European Union are also important.

Commenting on the forthcoming European elections, the presidents have concluded that Croatia and Latvia firmly believe in the European project.

"The rise of populism in Europe is the result of the departure of political elites from the real interests of citizens," Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic told reporters after talks with president of Latvia.