France has recognized the geopolitical importance of Croatia and can rely on Croatia in the matters of the West Balkans, said Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Paris on Monday, after meeting with his French counterpart Mrs. Catherine Colonna.
"France has recognized the geopolitical importance of Croatia that has reached all its strategic goals, and now it is possible to rely on Croatia’s experience and knowledge regarding the West Balkans," said Minister Grlić Radman in his press statement after meetings with Mrs. Colonna, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Croatian minister said that, in the European Union, Zagreb can contribute to raising awareness of the situation in that area to prevent "possible malignant influence of third states".
“Croatia’s foreign policy, and Croatia in general, has never had a better situation on the international stage in the sense of global visibility than today", concluded the Minister.
On the occasion, Ministers Colonna and Grlić Radman signed the 2023-2025 Action Plan. It is a document that highlights the most important points of cooperation between the two countries, said the Minister, and it illustrates their strategic partnership and the contract for Croatia’s purchase of the French fighter jet Rafale, reflecting the strengthening of the political partnership and the joint projects on the defensive, scientific and economic levels.
The Action Plan also notes the joint efforts for the stabilization of the West Balkans, which implies “investment in political capacity building and reforms" of the "geopolitically unstable" area, said the Minister, stressing that he had a long talk with the French Minister about the subject.
In 2021, during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, the two countries adopted a document on their strategic partnership. On the occasion, they also signed the contract for Croatia’s purchase of 12 used Dassault F3R Rafale, French multipurpose fighter jets.
The two ministers also talked about security situation in Europe after the Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as about the situation in the Middle East and in Africa, energy independence and Croatia’s efforts for Europe to achieve it, and about illegal migrations.
Minister Grlić Radman confirmed in his statement that the relations between the two countries are better than ever.
Source: Hina / MVEP
News
