Minister Grlić Radman meets with Croatian community in Cleveland

  • Slika
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman visited Cleveland, Ohio, on the occasion of the 129th anniversary of the Croatian Fraternal Union and its 26th national convention. He also met with the local Croatian community.
 
At the start of his visit, the minister held talks with members of the Croatian Fraternal Union on Croatia-US economic relations and their advancement. Other topics included the Visa Waiver Program and the Global Entry Treaty, which should facilitate travel for private and business subjects, as well as Croatia’s accession to the Schengen Area and the eurozone.
 
“The Croatian government will continue to do all it can to strengthen the already strong bond between you and the land of your ancestors, and support you in all your future endeavors. Each of your gatherings and all of your activities in Zagreb are met with joy. Thank you for all you do for Croats and Croatia,” the minister underscored.
 
Grlić Radman visited the St. Paul Croatian Church, which brings together members of the local Croat community and organizes numerous educational and cultural events. He thanked all those who maintained relations with the homeland and helped selflessly, notably in wake of the earthquakes in Zagreb, Petrinja and Sisak.
 
In addition, the minister attended the opening of the 26th national convention of the Croatian Fraternal Union. In his keynote address, he thanked them for promoting, defending and nurturing the Croatian language, culture and interests in the US, as well as for their assistance during the Homeland War.
 
“At the 18th convention in 1991, the Union established the Fund for Humanitarian Aid to Croatia, which raised more than 150 million dollars. Today, the Fund persists as a brotherhood program,” Grlić Radman said.
 
Concluding his address, the minister underlined that the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs would continue to support all Croat project around the world. The Croat expatriate community had always been a support block for the Homeland and it is vital to sustain the unity, language and culture as an investment for future generations.

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