"Road connections on both sides will allow people to remain in these areas...and not escape to Ljubljana or Zagreb," Počivalšek said after visiting the site of a five-kilometre road from Zagorska sela to the Miljana-Imeno border crossing, according to Croatian press agency Hina.

The road, which is due to open at the end of the year, is seen as important not only for Croatia but also for Slovenia, as it leads to the Podčetrtek municipality in Slovenia, an important tourist destination.

Another road key for both countries, a Slovenian motorway section towards Gruškovje border crossing, is also under construction. Počivalšek expects it will ease congestion.

In a year or two the entire motorway corridor, from Austria through Slovenia and on to Ploče in Croatia, could be completed in a year or two, Minister Dončić noted.

This, coupled with Croatia's entry into the Schengen passport-free zone, will effectively eliminate the border between the two countries allowing them to live side by side as friendly neighbours, he said.