On Monday, May 29, 2023, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel Eli Cohen.
The ministers began the meeting by laying a wreath for the victims of the Homeland War in front of the Homeland Memorial Monument.
In 26 years of diplomatic relations, Croatia and Israel have made great progress in cooperation in all areas. Two years ago, a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic partnership was signed, and today a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation was signed at the Ministry.
"The Memorandum of Understanding in the field of development cooperation will enable joint assistance to countries in our neighbourhood and around the world in achieving their development goals. This will contribute to peace, security and stability near and far. This agreement was motivated by the very successful development project of Croatia and Israel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which testifies to the fact that we share interests and a strategic approach in Southeast Europe," said Minister Grlić Radman.
Economic cooperation and especially investments were one of the topics of this meeting. Israel has already invested in renewable energy sources and the tourism sector in Croatia, and Croatia is one of the favourite destinations of Israeli tourists.
There were also talks about the great potential of cooperation in the field of agriculture and energy. Ministers Grlić Radman and Cohen discussed the need for an upcoming session of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation, in order to define the priority areas for future action of Croatia and Israel.
"Israel and Croatia have excellent relations. Our nations are developing a solid partnership based on mutual respect, sharing the same values and dedication to peace and stability in the region. These relations are developing in various areas - including trade, security, culture and cooperation between our peoples,'' said Israeli Minister Cohen.
Minister Grlić Radman thanked Minister Cohen for the support that Israel provides to Croatia in the process of joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He then pointed out that on March 1 this year, Croatia assumed the presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, thereby confirming its commitment to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims, as well as to the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of racism and discrimination.
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