- Published: 04.04.2025.
Minister Grlić Radman attends two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman participated in the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4, 2025. The discussions among colleagues focused on increasing defence investments, the conflict in Ukraine, global security threats, and strengthening relations with partner countries—Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Ukraine. Participants also touched upon the upcoming NATO Summit scheduled to take place in The Hague in June this year.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of increasing defence investments and reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to strengthening collective defence, calling it the foundation of the Alliance’s success. He also pointed out that another important topic of discussion with partners from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand was the industrial production of defence systems. Speaking about Ukraine, he stressed that NATO allies continue to provide support, coordinated security assistance, and training to the country.
Grlić Radman briefed his colleagues on the situation in the Western Balkans, with a special focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the importance of preserving the country’s unity and territorial integrity, and drawing attention to the unequal status of the Croatian people. He also emphasized that Croatia, as a NATO member, shares the longest border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that the political, economic, and social stability of its immediate neighbour is of great importance.
On the second day of his visit to Brussels, Minister Grlić Radman held a bilateral meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska, during which they discussed the current security situation in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the war in Ukraine, and the importance of fair geographic representation of member states within NATO. In the conversation, the Minister particularly highlighted NATO’s role in Bosnia and Herzegovina and reaffirmed that Croatia remains committed to the Alliance’s values and security, dedicated to strengthening NATO’s collective defence, supporting Ukraine, and promoting security in Southeast Europe.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of increasing defence investments and reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to strengthening collective defence, calling it the foundation of the Alliance’s success. He also pointed out that another important topic of discussion with partners from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand was the industrial production of defence systems. Speaking about Ukraine, he stressed that NATO allies continue to provide support, coordinated security assistance, and training to the country.
Grlić Radman briefed his colleagues on the situation in the Western Balkans, with a special focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the importance of preserving the country’s unity and territorial integrity, and drawing attention to the unequal status of the Croatian people. He also emphasized that Croatia, as a NATO member, shares the longest border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that the political, economic, and social stability of its immediate neighbour is of great importance.
On the second day of his visit to Brussels, Minister Grlić Radman held a bilateral meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska, during which they discussed the current security situation in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the war in Ukraine, and the importance of fair geographic representation of member states within NATO. In the conversation, the Minister particularly highlighted NATO’s role in Bosnia and Herzegovina and reaffirmed that Croatia remains committed to the Alliance’s values and security, dedicated to strengthening NATO’s collective defence, supporting Ukraine, and promoting security in Southeast Europe.