(ANSA) - DUBROVNIK, JUL 12 - There is "great closeness between Croatia and Italy, we have strengthened ties but we are also working together for the Imec Corridor which will be a great opportunity for all: growth in trade but also building infrastructure to connect Italy all the way to India through the Balkan countries as well." Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said today after his bilateral meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on the sidelines of the 'Dubrovnik Forum' in Croatia. According to Tajani the meeting was "very positive" and an understanding for the growth of the Balkans also emerged, "so that there can be as soon as possible the full accession of these countries" to the EU. "Let's work together, Italy and Croatia," Tajani said again and reiterated: "We are actively and with great determination to ensure that the candidate countries can become full members (of the EU, ed.) as quickly as possible. It is right to conclude the reunification of Europe for these countries that are European countries and could not be part of the initial project because they were under communist dictatorship." (ANSA).