(ANSA) - BELGRADE, DEC 5 - "Leo XIV welcomed Andrej Plenković, President of the Republic of Croatia, who met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Msgr. Mihăiţă Blaj, Under-Secretary for Relations with States, on December 4. During the cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the State and the local Church, as well as the intention to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest," according to a Vatican press statement." As the conversation progressed," it was announced, "there was an exchange of views on several issues, with special emphasis on regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and the conflict in Ukraine." (ANSA).