Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on 23 and 24 March in Brussels attended a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
The main conclusion of the meeting, held in-person after more than a year, was a new dimension of transatlantic relations and a return to multilateralism.
On the first day, the ministers discussed the South and Afghanistan and the efforts to achieve a lasting peace, as well as the NATO 2030 initiative, while the secretary-general outlined proposals on how to maintain NATO’s military strength, boost its political power and assume a more global approach. Grlić Radman underscored that Croatia supported shaping a common vision of NATO, as it was important for our security and stability, with the EU as a partner, but without duplicating efforts and resources.
On the second day of the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on Russia, underlining that NATO remains committed to a dual-track approach towards the country, based on strong defence and deterrence, combined with a meaningful dialogue, which Croatia would like to see reinstated as soon as possible. Joining the discussion were the foreign ministers of Finland and Sweden, as well as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. Grlić Radman took the opportunity to highlight the significance of our immediate neighbourhood, notably the support for the reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina along the country’s journey towards Euro-Atlantic integration.
On the margins of the meeting, the minister held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the importance of energy diversification and the LNG terminal on Krk Island, the Three Seas Initiative, as well as security and stability in the region.
The ministerial meeting also served as a preparation for the upcoming NATO summit in June.