- Published: 21.12.2020.
Minister Grlić Radman addresses representatives of diplomatic corps
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Monday addressed the representatives of diplomatic corps accredited to Croatia ahead of Christmas and New Year
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Monday addressed the representatives of diplomatic corps accredited to Croatia ahead of Christmas and New Year.
The minister said that 2020, in terms of unforeseeable challenges, was unique in modern history. He recalled that Croatia’s first EU presidency took place digitally in part and underscored the importance of multilateralism, solidarity and flexibility, adding that strengthening solidarity and building partnership was in the interest of all countries. He commended the EU-level response, highlighting the Recovery Fund and Team Europe as excellent examples of solidarity, multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. The minister also underlined other multilateral organizations and agencies, such as the WHO, whose contribution to the fight against COVID-19 was invaluable.
Grlić Radman then reflected on the importance of EU’s bilateral relations with third countries, emphasizing the importance of ministerial meetings held this year. The Southern Neighbourhood was highlighted as an area of great importance to Croatia, with emphasis on security and stability, the advancement of economic exchange, fight against terrorism and illegal migration, as well as environmental protection.
“Southeast Europe remains in our focus and Croatia still supports the enlargement process. This policy is not only in the interest of Southeast European countries, but of Europe as a whole,” the minister emphasized. He underlined the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina and reflected on the international conference on the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, organized recently by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. In addition, the minister expressed strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic journey and the reforms aimed at achieving equality for the three constituent peoples.
Finally, Grlić Radman underscored Croatia’s efforts to enter the Schengen Area and Eurozone, and join the OECD.