- Published: 17.03.2026.
Ministers Grlić Radman, Budrys talk strengthening Croatia-Lithuania cooperation
In a statement to the media, Grlić Radman emphasized that Croatia and Lithuania share similar historical experiences in their struggle for freedom and independence, which contributes to strong mutual understanding and partnership. Both sides highlighted the importance of continuing intensive political dialogue, exchanging visits, and maintaining close cooperation within the EU, NATO, and the Three Seas Initiative.
Particular attention during the discussions was devoted to economic relations, which have been steadily growing. In 2025, total bilateral trade continued its upward trend, reaching nearly EUR 194 million, of which Croatian exports accounted for EUR 111 million. Promising sectors for further strengthening economic cooperation include the electrical industry, information technologies, transport infrastructure, as well as the agri-food, wood-processing, and pharmaceutical industries. The Croatian side once again expressed its gratitude to Lithuania for its continuous and strong support for Croatia’s accession to the OECD.
Addressing similarities between Croatia and Lithuania, particularly in the area of energy security, Grlić Radman underscored the importance of diversifying energy sources and supply routes. In this context, he highlighted the role of Croatia’s energy infrastructure, especially the JANAF oil pipeline system, which plays an important role in supplying Central and Southeast Europe.
The ministers also discussed defence cooperation, including Croatia’s participation in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania, under which 90 members of the Croatian Armed Forces are currently deployed. Grlić Radman thanked Lithuania for its support and hospitality towards Croatian soldiers participating in the mission since 2017.
In the field of academic and cultural cooperation, the importance of the Croatian language and literature lectureship at Vilnius University was highlighted, as it fosters interest in the Croatian language and culture among Lithuanian students.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine was also among the key topics of discussion. On this occasion, Grlić Radman emphasized that Croatia and Lithuania remain strongly committed to providing political, material, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as well as to achieving a just and lasting peace that will ensure its long-term security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also referred to the importance of cooperation between Croatia and Lithuania within the Demining Coalition for Ukraine, in which Lithuania is one of the leading nations, with particular emphasis on the expertise and experience Croatia has gained during and after the Homeland War.
The ministers further discussed the European Union’s enlargement policy, which will be one of the priorities of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027. They agreed that enlargement represents an important contribution to the stability and economic development of the European continent. In this process, Croatia consistently advocates for an approach based on the individual merits of candidate countries. For Croatia, particular attention is given to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where respect for the Dayton principles of equality among the three constituent peoples - especially Croats as the smallest constituent group - is of crucial importance.
The ministers also exchanged views on other current security issues, including the protection of external borders, hybrid threats, the instrumentalization of migration, and developments in the Middle East. Grlić Radman stressed that “Croatia remains a strong advocate of transatlantic unity, grounded in shared interests and values, as well as in a common vision of global stability and security.”
The continuation of cooperation within the framework of the Three Seas Initiative was also discussed. Croatia, which currently holds the presidency of the Initiative, will host the Initiative’s Summit and Business Forum in Dubrovnik at the end of April, with significant participation of Lithuanian political and economic representatives expected.
During his stay in Zagreb, Budrys laid a wreath at the Monument to the Homeland.
The official visit of the Lithuanian foreign minister further confirms the traditionally friendly relations between Croatia and Lithuania, as well as the readiness of both countries to continue close cooperation in the political, economic, and security domains.