Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman was on a working visit to Ukraine on Monday, where he met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Grlić Radman reiterated Croatia’s support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Due to Croatia’s unique experience during the Homeland War and the peaceful reintegration of Eastern Slavonia, the minister underscored the importance of sharing experiences with Ukraine. He added that Croatia had come a long way from military aggression and gaining independence to full European and Euro-Atlantic integration and was ready to share its experiences and continue to provide all forms of assistance.
“Croatia is aware of the importance of demining as a prerequisite for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine, as well as a pledge for Ukraine to remain a breadbasket whose products feed the world, including the most vulnerable countries. That is why we believe that Croatia’s assistance under the World Food Programme to demine agricultural areas will contribute to that goal. In the context of a possible global food crisis, Croatia has made its ports available for the export of Ukrainian grain and will continue to do so in the future,” Grlić Radman said.
Kuleba thanked Croatia for its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the help it had provided since day one. “Ukraine feels Croatia’s support and assistance. Our two countries are bound not only by excellent intergovernmental relations, but also by friendly relations between our peoples. Ukraine recognises Croatia as a key partner in the demining process,” he said.
Grlić Radman, together with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis, visited the Wall of Remembrance to pay tribute to the brave individuals who gave their lives in defence of Ukraine and its values.
As part of his working visit, Grlić Radman also visited Hostomel, where he attended the handover of power generators, provided under Croatia’s developmental and humanitarian assistance in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Office in Croatia.
The Croatian government donated €1 million to UNICEF for the urgent restoration of energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Thanks to Croatia’s donation, UNICEF procured 50 generators and delivered them to schools and hospitals across the country, including the kindergarten Veselka, which Grlić Radman visited today. Said generators represent vital infrastructure and will significantly improve the living conditions of the local population, providing electricity for key services such as educational and other facilities. In addition to the commitment to improving the education and well-being of children around the world, the Croatian government, in cooperation with Caritas, will also provide funds for equipping the Veselka kindergarten. “Croatia stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. It stands firm in its support for Ukraine and will continue to help in the future, both bilaterally and with international partners,” Grlić Radman underscored.
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