- Published: 07.06.2022.
Marking of Croatian Diplomacy Day, 20th anniversary of Croatian Diplomatic Club
June 7th is traditionally marked as the Croatian Diplomacy Day. On this day in 879, Pope John VIII granted Duke Branimir diplomatic recognition of the medieval state of Croatia.
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković thanked all those who had contributed to the international recognition of Croatia as well as its affirmation through memberships in the most important international organizations.
Speaking of Croatia’s new strategic goals, Plenković underscored the importance of joining the eurozone and the Schengen Area, which will make Croatia a part of the inner circle of the EU family, as well as membership in the OECD – the only major international organization that Croatia is still not a member of.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has annulled all stipulations of the international order,” he said, adding that it had shaken the economy, financial markets and energy prices around that world, and represented a challenge for all countries.
In his address, Foreign Minister Grlić Radman highlighted the importance of Croatian diplomacy for the creation of Croatian state amidst the Homeland War, as well as in achieving EU and NATO memberships later on. He reflected on the current situation in Southeast Europe, notably the importance of a stable and functioning Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that in that regard the role of Croatian diplomacy was still vital.