Minister Grlić Radman attends NATO Partnerships 360 Symposium, visits Sarajevo

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman participated in the NATO Partnerships 360 Symposium on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 22 and 23, 2024, in Sarajevo. The symposium was held under the theme “Partnerships in the Age of Hybrid Challenges.” As part of the symposium, Grlić Radman took part in a ministerial-level panel discussion titled “A Region Showcasing the Versatility of NATO Partnership and Success of Integration.” During his stay in Sarajevo, he also held a series of bilateral meetings.
 
Panel participants, including the Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister, highlighted the diversity of NATO partnerships in the Western Balkans region and demonstrated the success of certain countries' integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. They shared their views on the challenges the region faces and discussed ways to overcome them.
 
On this occasion, Grlić Radman emphasized that Croatia continuously promotes the Euro-Atlantic perspective of Western Balkan countries and supports the international community's efforts to ensure peace and stability in this part of Europe. “NATO membership is not only beneficial for the countries that have joined or wish to join but also for NATO itself. We believe that the Alliance should strengthen its political engagement and visibility in the Western Balkans,” he said.
 
The symposium gathered over 250 participants from more than 50 countries, including military and civilian representatives from NATO member and partner countries and organizations. The event aimed to strengthen the community of partners and improve unity, joint action, and efforts between NATO and its partners.
 
During his stay in Sarajevo, Grlić Radman met with the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein ef. Kavazović, to discuss strengthening interfaith dialogue and the importance of coexistence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a meeting with the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Monsignor Tomo Vukšić, and the Provincial of the Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena, Fr. Zdravko Dadić, discussions focused on preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which plays a key role in preserving Croatian identity, language, and culture.
 
In talks with his counterpart, Bosnian Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković, Grlić Radman emphasized that Croatia will continue to support reforms and strengthen bilateral cooperation, including amendments to the Agreement on Border Crossings. The ministers also discussed providing assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina following recent floods, European integration, and the importance of securing legitimate political representation for the three constituent peoples to ensure the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
 
In a meeting with the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, Grlić Radman exchanged views on key challenges, political stability following local elections, accelerating European integration, and providing assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the catastrophic floods. He emphasized that Croatia will continue to strongly support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic path, with a particular focus on reforms and equality among the constituent peoples.

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