16 May 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson presented her credentials to Her Excellency President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic of the Republic of Croatia in ceremonies at the Presidential Palace in Zagreb on May 09.  

Accepting the Letters of Credence, President Grabar-Kitarovic congratulated Ambassador Collinson and said that the Croatian Government wishes to further enhance bilateral relations with the Philippines. Ambassador Collinson conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of the Philippines and the goodwill and friendship of the Filipino people. She assured the President of her commitment to promote and deepen bilateral ties, strengthening existing cooperation and cultivating new areas for partnership

In the cordial and friendly conversation that followed, President Grabar-Kitarovic expressed satisfaction at the robust state of political cooperation both bilaterally and in the UN and other international organizations. She agreed with Ambassador Collinson to promote economic relations, inter alia, by expanding tourism and investment cooperation. At the recommendation of Ambassador Collinson to streamline the process of visa issuance in this regard, President Grabar-Kitarovic asked her officials to look into improving the current procedure.

President Grabar-Kitarovic agreed with the observation of the Ambassador that the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community would provide greater impetus in the expansion of trade and investment.

On the South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea issue before the international tribunal, President Grabar-Kitarovic gave the assurance that Croatia will uphold the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. END