Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Friday met with the Archbishop of Zagreb, Cardinal Josip Bozanić. Also present at the meeting were Culture and Media Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek and Prime Minister’s Special Advisor for Foreign Policy Mate Granić.
The talks focused on a number of topics, notably Croatia’s care for the status of Croats as well as for the preservation of their religious and cultural heritage in the neighbouring countries, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in Bačka and Syrmia, Janjevo, Letnica, the Bay of Kotor et al. In that context, the interlocutors commended the initiative within the EU to respect the status of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Croats and preserve their constitutional and legal rights. They also reflected on the possibility of seeking scholarship funds for children and the youth.
Talking about the damage caused by last year’s earthquakes, the interlocutors underscored cooperation between state institutions and the Archdiocese of Zagreb in caring for the affected families. In that context, they reflected on the efforts to overcome obstacles in the reconstruction of schools, hospitals and sacral architecture, notably the Zagreb Cathedral.
The interlocutors also commended the initiative for a work-free Sunday, reserved for family time.
Also present at the meeting were diocesan vicar for pastoral affairs Marko Kovač and President of the Zagreb Archdiocese’s Caritas Zlatko Koren.