Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman attended on Friday as the prime minister’s envoy the formal handover of the birth house of Josip Jelačić in Petrovaradin.
“This is certainly a great day for the Croat community in Serbia, but it is also an important moment in the relationship between Croatia and Serbia because it shows that we can work together for the benefit of all,” Grlić Radman said.
The minister underscored belief that the Jelačić house would contribute to the preservation and representation of the Croatians’ traditional and contemporary culture, as well as to the protection of the cultural and historic heritage of the Croat minority in Serbia.
“Minorities are and should be a link that strengthens the relations between our countries,” said Grlić Radman, adding that Croatia attached great importance to Croats in Serbia and abroad, as well as to the minorities of Croatia.
“We hope that the Croat community in Serbia, in line with the Agreement on Mutual Protection of National Minorities of 2004, will have its representatives at all levels of government,” the minister said.
After the handover ceremony, Grlić Radman attended a commemoration at the Bishop’s Palace. Ahead of the ceremony, the minister attended a holy mass at the St. George in Petrovaradin.