Diplomatic excursion to Osijek-Baranja County

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs organized a two-day excursion for members of the diplomatic corps, held on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, 2025. During the excursion, ambassadors accredited to Croatia had the opportunity to participate in a rich program that included a panel on sports diplomacy, visits to Osijek and Kopački Rit, a tour of a wine cellar, tastings of Slavonian specialties, and an introduction to the region’s gastronomy.
 
The visit to Osijek-Baranja County began with a guided tour of Osijek’s historic center, followed by the panel “Sports Diplomacy, Politics, and Branding,” which brought together ambassadors and representatives of Croatian sports federations. On this occasion, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, addressed the participants, emphasizing that sport transcends borders, builds bridges, and promotes Croatia across the globe. He added that this is precisely why it is important to consider how to harness the power of sport in diplomacy—particularly when it comes to promoting national interests and building connections among nations. The minister concluded that sports diplomacy remains one of the key tools for strengthening Croatia’s foreign policy position on the international stage.
 
On the second day of the diplomatic excursion, a visit was organized to Kopački Rit Nature Park—one of Europe’s most valuable wetland areas—where participants enjoyed a boat ride on the lake and visited the Tikveš presentation and education center. The excursion continued with a tour of the wine cellars in Kneževi Vinogradi, part of Vina Belje, where members of the diplomatic corps had the chance to taste renowned Croatian wines from the region and, with expert guidance, explore the largest and most impressive wine cellar in Baranja.
 
The excursion provided an opportunity for meetings, exchange of views, and the strengthening of diplomatic ties in the relaxed and content-rich setting of Osijek-Baranja County, whose authenticity and hospitality left a lasting impression on all participants.

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