Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Richard Marles, will take the opportunity to confirm Australia’s ongoing commitment to Croatia and the broader Balkans region when he arrives in Zagreb today for a two-day visit.

"Croatia is a country with which Australia shares strong community links," Mr Marles said. "I look forward to discussing with my Croatian counterparts ways in which we can work more closely together, particularly as we celebrate 20 years of diplomatic relations this year."

"I will also assure Croatia of Australia’s continued support for its membership of the European Union in 2013," he said.

Discussions will also note the increasing engagement between Australia and Croatia on international issues, reflected in our growing collaboration as members of regional and multilateral forums such as ASEM and the OSCE and in our peacekeeping activities in Timor Leste, South Sudan and Cyprus.

During his visit Mr Marles will also attend the fourth Croatian Biennale of Illustration, in which 11 Australian artists are exhibiting.

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