- Published: 12.03.2024.
Minister Grlić Radman inaugurates Croatian Consulate in Punta Arenas, headed by honorary consul
“The Republic of Croatia recognizes the importance of the Croatian diaspora worldwide in connecting the homeland and the countries of their residence. The contribution of Croatian immigrants to the Chilean state and society has lasted for over a century, leaving a mark in the history of Punta Arenas. It is my great pleasure that today we are reopening the Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Punta Arenas as another link to strengthen the ties between the Croatian and Chilean people,” emphasized the minister.
The Croatian community in Punta Arenas is the largest and one of the best organized in Chile. Over a hundred years ago, around 40 percent of the population of Punta Arenas was of Croatian descent. Today, approximately 20 percent of the city’s population in the far south of Chile bears Croatian surnames.
“Thanks to individuals, associations, and clubs who continuously foster connections with the homeland, for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contribution to the linguistic education of descendants of the Croatian immigrant community, longstanding successful publishing activities, promotion of Croatian heritage, language, culture, education, science, and sports, strengthening economic cooperation, as well as preserving the Croatian identity in the Republic of Chile,” Grlić Radman highlighted.
During his visit, the minister handed out citizenship acceptance notices, emphasizing the importance of connecting the homeland with the Croatian diaspora.
He also met with the Croatian expatriate community at the Croatian Club in Porvenir, where numerous streets in the city bear Croatian names.
The following day, Grlić Radman visited Antofagasta, where he met with the Croatian community and presented citizenship acceptance notices. He also visited the Croatian Sports Club Sokol, the 3rd Fire Brigade Croatia, and the Plaza Croacia club.
“Today, Croatia is strongly affirmed on the international stage. We have become a member of all relevant international organizations, and the only remaining step is to become a member of the OECD, which invited us in 2022 to start negotiations for full membership, which we are actively working on,” he emphasized.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Croatian community in Chile and called for further promotion of Croatia and contribution to Croatian-Chilean relations, with the continuous support of the Croatian government.