We welcome the positive outcome of the referendum held yesterday (22 January) on Croatia's accession to the European Union whereby the people of Croatia has approved the EU membership of their country with a 66.24 % vote in favor.

We congratulate Croatia and its people for their choice. We hope that the membership of Croatia to the EU will contribute to regional peace and stability.

Turkey attaches special importance to its relations with Croatia, its friend and ally in the Balkans, and considers Croatia as a significant cooperation partner in consolidating peace, stability and prosperity in the region.