Minister Grlić Radman visits Croatian community in Serbia; meets with counterpart Đurić

On Friday, June 13, 2025, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid a working visit to the Republic of Serbia, at the invitation of the Croatian community and the Catholic clergy on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Anthony. Accompanying the Minister was Mate Granić, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs.
 
In Sremska Mitrovica, the Minister met with the Bishop of Syrmia, Monsignor Fabijan Svalina. The discussions focused on the renovation of pastoral facilities, the restitution of church property, and the role of the Catholic Church in preserving the identity of the Croatian community. The Minister emphasized the Republic of Croatia’s continued support for projects of special importance to Croats in Syrmia.
 
In Belgrade, the Minister met with the President of the Croatian National Council, Jasna Vojnić, and representatives of the Croatian community. The talks highlighted the inclusive and ongoing support of the Republic of Croatia for the work of the Croatian National Council as the central institution representing the Croatian national minority in Serbia. The visit concluded with participation in a festive Holy Mass at the Church of Saint Anthony, where Minister Grlić Radman and Special Advisor Granić addressed the attendees, reaffirming that Croatia will continue to provide strong and lasting support to Croats in Serbia. The Government of the Republic of Croatia views its model of minority rights protection as an example of best practice, worthy of promotion throughout Southeast Europe and beyond.
 
As part of the visit, Minister Grlić Radman also held a working meeting in Belgrade with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić. They discussed bilateral issues, including the still unresolved matter of missing persons from the Homeland War, the implementation of the bilateral agreement on minority rights protection, Serbia’s European path, border issues, and the need for continued progress in line with the values and expectations shared by both Croatia and the European Union.
 
The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans, with special emphasis on the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring the full equality of the three constituent peoples, maintaining stability, and continuing the EU enlargement process.
 
The ministers agreed on the need to continue dialogue on both bilateral and European topics.

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