- Published: 24.05.2022.
5th meeting of Croatia-Italy Coordinating Committee of Ministers
Apart from the ministries of foreign and European affairs, the Committee also brings together the two countries’ ministries of internal affairs, economy and sustainable development, sea, transport and infrastructure, agriculture and culture.
Grlić Radman and Di Maio discussed bilateral relations, war in Ukraine and the situation in Southeast Europe, as well as cooperation in the sectors of economy, transport, environmental protection, culture and education. “In recent years, our friendly and neighbouring countries have seen bilateral relations take off,” Grlić Radman, adding that this meeting of the Committee was especially significant as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of Croatia-Italy diplomatic relations.
The two ministers agreed that the relations between Croatia and Italy were highly developed. Grlić Radman thanked Italy for supporting Croatia’s strategic goals – joining the Schengen Area, eurozone and the OECD.
In the context of economic cooperation, Grlić Radman underscored that Italy was one of Croatia’s most important economic partners, adding that in 2021 trade was close to €6 billion, up 27% from the year before. “There is room for additional advancement of our economic relations, notably in IT, digitalization, agriculture, food industry and infrastructure,” he said.
Grlić Radman and Di Maio underlined that Croatia and Italy recognized the importance of cooperating in environmental protection and preserving the biodiversity of the North Adriatic, as well as in better transport connections, culture and education.
The two ministers exchanged views on foreign policy topics, notably war in Ukraine. “Croatia, a victim of aggression 30 years ago, fully solidarizes with the Ukrainian people. Together with our partners, we will continue to offer political, financial, humanitarian, technical and all other assistance to Ukraine and care for its refugees,” Grlić Radman emphasized. Concerning the destabilizing effect of war in Ukraine on Southeast Europe, the minister said Croatia paid special attention to the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, especially BiH. “It is in our interest that Bosnia and Herzegovina is stable and functioning, with all three constituent peoples enjoying their legitimate rights, which can only be achieved through a fair electoral process and reforming the election law,” he explained.
After the meeting, Grlić Radman and Di Maio signed a joint statement setting the guidelines for all of the important areas in the period ahead. They also signed an agreement on the demarcation of exclusive economic zones, which defines the demarcation line of said zones between Croatia and Italy and permanently regulates demarcation in line with international law.
“By defining this line, our countries will reinforce their cooperation in the Adriatic, especially in terms of protecting the sea environment and the sustainable use of the sea and its natural resources,” Grlić Radman said.
A business forum was also held, aimed at advancing Croatia and Italy’s economic cooperation. “We encourage Italy’s investments, which are present in a number of sectors, from finance and banking, to metallurgy, textile industry, furniture, agriculture and food,” Grlić Radman said, expressing hope that the forum would additionally strengthen the two countries’ economic relations.