- Published: 21.04.2022.
Minister Grlić Radman holds talks with Bulgarian counterpart Genchovska
The meeting coincided with Croatia and Bulgaria’s 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The two ministers agreed that Genchovska’s visit to Zagreb affirmed Croatia and Bulgaria’s traditional friendship as well as excellent bilateral and partner relations, underpinned by longstanding political and cultural ties, as well as EU and NATO membership.
They exchanged views on bilateral and multilateral topics of mutual interest, underscoring reciprocal support for Schengen and eurozone membership. In the context of the aggression against Ukraine, the two ministers strongly condemned Russia’s military activities. They affirmed the readiness to continue cooperating within other regional initiatives as well, notably the Three Seas Initiative, where there is potential for expanding the cooperation in the areas of infrastructure and energy.
Grlić Radman and Genchovska discussed the security situation in Europe and the need to ensure the stability of its southeast. “I underlined the need to maintain political stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina by ensuring true equality of its constituent peoples, primarily Croats as the smallest among them,” said Grlić Radman, adding that that could be achieved only by changing the country’s election law.
The two ministers also discussed EU enlargement. Grlić Radman expressed hope that Bulgaria and North Macedonia would reach a mutually acceptable solution that would allow the latter to continue its European journey, which is in the interest of both Croatia and the EU.
In addition, Grlić Radman and Genchovska reflected on the prospects of boosting economic cooperation. “We agreed that there was potential for advancing our economic relations. In that regard, we will continue to stimulate trade and joint economic projects,” Grlić Radman said.