Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Zdravko Maric met in the government offices on Thursday with US Ambassador to Croatia Robert Kohorst, who presented a draft double taxation agreement, the government said in a press release.

The agreement will provide additional security for taxpayers, primarily people with dual citizenship, prevent double payments of tax, and protecting them from any discriminatory procedures. The agreement will also establish a mechanism for cooperation between the tax authorities in both countries and resolve any misunderstandings that may emerge in implementing the agreement, the government’s press release said.

“The proposed agreement is yet more confirmation of strengthening bilateral relations between Croatia and the USA,” the government said.

The next step is for the Finance Ministry to conduct negotiations in this calendar year.

Speaking to RTL television in the evening, Minister Maric said that Ambassador Kohorst personally delivered the draft agreement.

This is an “old” story that has been ongoing for two decades, Maric recalled and thanked the American side, colleagues in the Department of Treasury and the Embassy in Croatia for taking this step.

“On our part, maximum efficiency can be expected in this matter and we hope to successfully resolve this important problem which will also help both our and American businesses and citizens,” said Maric.

According to information available on the Tax Authority’s website, Croatia has signed double taxation agreements with about 65 countries.