Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Friday paid a working visit to the Czech Republic, where he met with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský.
The two ministers marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and the Czech Republic. “We are proud to say that our countries have no outstanding issues and are successfully cooperating in a number of sectors. Our relations have been excellent and intensive for years now, both politically and economically. The respective national minorities are a bridge that connects us and strengthens our bilateral relations and cultural cooperation,” Grlić Radman said.
The two ministers once again condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stressing the need to continue providing Ukraine with the necessary assistance and calling for a more intensive cooperation between the EU and transatlantic partners, especially in terms of energy and food supplies.
Grlić Radman and Lipavský discussed the priorities of the upcoming Czech EU presidency, voicing satisfaction that the European journey of the Western Balkan countries was high on its agenda. Grlić Radman underlined support for all countries aspiring to join the European family, adding that European perspective and the implementation of reforms was crucial was the stability of Southeast Europe.
“All Western Balkan countries that sincerely aspire to membership must have a European perspective, but at the same time it is necessary to insist on meeting the criteria – rule of law, good neighbourly relations, and in the context of aggression against Ukraine, on foreign policy alignment with the Union,” stressed Grlić Radman.
He added that the EU has a responsibility to make additional political and diplomatic efforts to ensure a legal and legitimate election process in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a reform of the election law.
Grlić Radman also thanked the Czech Republic for supporting Croatia’s strategic goals – joining the eurozone, the OECD and the Schengen Area.
Before talks with Lipavský, the minister met with Deputy Parliament Speaker Jan Bartošek, with whom he discussed the upcoming Czech EU presidency, energy and war in Ukraine.
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