FM participates in video-conference of NATO foreign ministers

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on 2 April 2020 participated in a virtual meeting of NATO member states' foreign ministers...

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on 2 April 2020 participated in a virtual meeting of NATO member states' foreign ministers.

The main topic of the meeting was the exchange of experiences and the prospects of mutual assistance in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, so that the health crisis does not become a security risk.

In addition, the ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, North Africa and other crisis hotspots, notably Iraq and Afghanistan.

Despite the pandemic, North Macedonia has fulfilled all of the NATO membership criteria and became the 30th member state of the Alliance. Grlić Radman underscored that NATO membership, together with the EU's recent decision to launch accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, constituted an important step forward in the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkan countries.

The minister also commended the Croatian Army, which from the onset has been actively participating and assisting the health workers in preparing additional capacities to curb COVID-19, as well as for helping in the aftermath of the Zagreb earthquake.

"This crisis has underlined the importance of the Croatian Army, which has been helping the health workers from the start. Of course no one is looking forward to military's engagement, but its equipment and preparedness are crucial in these types of situations. This best shows why it is important to invest in the Croatian Army," Grlić Radman said.

Addressing the conference, Grlić Radman reflected on Bosnia and Herzegovina, underscoring desire that the country made use of the reforms, and Kosovo, where KFOR is a guarantor of stability that Croatia is actively contributing to. Finally, the minister emphasized the importance of unity and coordination among the allies in responding to current challenges, as well as the importance of a tighter cooperation between the EU and NATO.

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