Jadranka Kosor, prime minister of the Republic of Croatia met with the Holy Father on Saturday morning. Following her meeting with the Pope, Prime Minister Kosor met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

A "fruitful exchange of opinions" took place, according to a communique from the Holy See, during which time current issues in the international arena and also those more specific to the Balkans were discussed.

The condition of the Croatian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina was given special attention. Bosnian Croats represent the least populous of the three major ethnicities in that neighboring country.

The Vatican reported that the two sides reconfirmed their dedication to continue constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest to the Church and the Croatian State. Conversation also turned to themes concerning the eventual full integration of Croatia into the European Union, one of the priorities of Kosor's administration.