- Published: 14.10.2019.
FM Grlić Radman attends FAC
Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman 14 October 2019 in Luxembourg attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC)
Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman 14 October 2019 in Luxembourg attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).
The ministers discussed with Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen the situation in the field, notably in the northeast of the country, and the prospects for continued political process.
The foreign ministers condemned Turkey’s military action and urged Ankara to withdraw its troops.
“Turkey’s unilateral military action seriously undermines the stability and the security of the whole region, as well as that of Europe and the world. Croatia supports resolving the crisis through diplomatic and political means in order to avoid humanitarian disaster,” Grlić Radman said.
Foreign terrorists in Syria are an additional cause for concern. Croatia believes that communication channels with Turkey should be kept open.
“There is danger of a new wave of refugees towards Europe. In that regard, I have to warn of the existing pressure of illegal migrations along the Western Balkans route, i. e. the Croatian-Bosnian border, and the 211% increase this year,” Grlić Radman underscored.
The Council adopted conclusions on Turkey’s illegal seabed exploration in the Mediterranean and the extension of EUFOR Althea deployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On the margins of the meeting, Grlić Radman held talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian about the missing crew of the Bourbon Rhode and its captain Dino Miškić. The French foreign minister understands Croatia’s concern and underlines that the French forces continue to actively screen the area where the ship sank.
In that context, Grlić Radman together with his Ukrainian counterpart Vadym Prystaiko highlighted the importance of maritime safety and cooperation in search and rescue operations.
The foreign ministers of the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Poland and Sweden held talks about the planned Eastern Partnership summit during Croatia’s EU chairmanship, for which there is strong interest among the EU member states.
Grlić Radman also met with his Estonian counterpart Urmas Reinsalu. The two ministers underscored the very good relations between Croatia and Estonia, discussing modes of cooperation ahead of and during Croatia’s EU chairmanship.