State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matušić on Monday attended a meeting of foreign ministers held as part of Bulgaria’s presidency of the Central European Initiative (CEI).
Ministers exchanged views on the strengthening of regional cooperation, energy diversification, advancement of CEI countries’ EU integration, and boosting solidarity. The meeting saw the adoption of a joint statement and a decision to transfer CEI presidency to Moldova in 2023.
Ministers welcomed the Bulgarian presidency’s efforts during 2022 in the context of post-pandemic recovery and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, underscoring that the CEI region was interested in coordinated initiatives that would address these unprecedented challenges.
Addressing the event, Matušić underlined that energy security and resilience were of vital importance, especially in light of Russia’s use of energy as a geopolitical means. He stressed that Croatia, with additional improvements in energy infrastructure and backed by EU funds, had the potential to become the region’s energy hub.
Commenting on the current geopolitical situation, the state secretary emphasized that supporting Ukraine was crucial. He recalled that Zagreb hosted the first parliamentary summit of the Crimea Platform, attended by more than 40 delegations, which had sent a strong message of unity, solidarity and support to Ukraine and its territorial integrity.
Croatia is ready to assist Ukraine and Moldova in their preparations for EU membership, Matušić said. He added that boosting the Western Balkans’ overall resilience and the region’s headway on the EU journey was in Croatia’s strategic interest.
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