Minister Grlić Radman takes part in videoconference on Southern Neighbourhood

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Thursday participated in a videoconference of ministers from EU and Southern Neighbourhood states

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Thursday participated in a videoconference of ministers from EU and Southern Neighbourhood states (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia). The conference focused on the prospects of enhancing cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood states as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy and in line with other EU policies, with an emphasis on sustainable development, security, economy and investment. The Southern Neighbourhood is a complex and fragmented region of strategic importance to the EU. Ministers discussed common priorities for the period ahead, in which stronger political and sectoral engagement is necessary, including response to crises that are a common challenge. Among the areas of cooperation, ministers highlighted the human dimension, climate change, security, regional integration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grlić Radman underscored Croatia's strong commitment to the region, which is geographically close to us and with which we share challenges, as well as numerous opportunities. The minister stressed the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation with the southern neighbours, which can contribute to enhancing the implementation of EU policies, notably the Green Deal and the digital agenda, as well as the policies concerning health, economy, investment and tourism. In this way, the EU can contribute to the strengthening of internal stability in the Southern Neighbourhood states by promoting sustainable development of economies and societies.

Reflecting on the situation and the recent events in the region, Grlić Radman underlined that political stability in our partner countries was of paramount importance for long-term progress. “It is important to engage with the partners in the region in a stronger and more structured way and highlight security, sustainable economic growth and promotion of regional integration, as well as the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Speaking of the migration challenges, the minister underscored that it was necessary to continue the dialogue and the common approach to migration, notably on the Eastern Mediterranean/Western Balkan route. Regarding the situation in Western Sahara, we welcome Morocco’s commitment to a truce as well as the freedom of civilian and commercial movement through Guerguerat, and call for renewing the political process under the auspices of the UN.

 

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