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Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Wednesday met with the Croatia-Israel Interparliamentary Friendship Group.
The minister underscored good relations between Croatia and Israel, bolstered by the strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries’ foreign ministries in December last year. He added that the Friendship Group’s activities contributed to the building of bridges and understanding between Croatia and Israel.
Grlić Radman expressed concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the large number of civilian casualties. He condemned indiscriminate attacks by Hamas and underlined support for Israel’s legitimate right of defence in accordance with international law.
Group’s Head Marijana Petir presented the Group’s composition and activities. She confirmed that Croatia nurtured good and friendly relations with Israel, notably on the parliamentary level. She also underscored concern over the situation in the Middle East, expressing condolences to the victims.
Petir said it was necessary to condemn Hamas’ attacks on Israel and distinguish between the aggressor and the defender, adding that the international community should intervene to ensure the cessation of violence and help achieve peace and the normalization of life.
In the context of the Middle East Peace Process, Grlić Radman said that Croatia supported a two-state solution that allowed both peoples to achieve their national aspirations and equal rights, and which guarantees Israel security as the homeland of the Jewish people in peaceful coexistence with their neighbours, and Palestinians sustainability in their own state and homeland. This would lead to a lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
The officials discussed the prospects of de-escalating the tensions and the international stakeholders’ efforts to find a sustainable solution and achieve peace in the Middle East, including EU’s engagement. They also discussed the importance of curbing antisemitism.