The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, met today, August 30, 2023, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (Gymnich) in Toledo, which is taking place under the Spanish presidency of the EU Council.
The ministers expressed their satisfaction with the intensification of the political dialogue between the two countries, given the frequent bilateral visits at the highest levels, both at the ministerial and prime ministerial levels. Minister Grlić Radman pointed out that the deepening of the political dialogue is of key importance for strengthening cooperation and understanding and opens the door to new opportunities for stimulating economic exchange.
Minister Grlić Radman welcomed the Spanish presidency's priorities, which include hot topics such as combating illegal migration and demographic revitalization. Discussing the situation in the Western Balkans, the ministers emphasized the importance of peace, prosperity and stability, which are prerequisites for any further step towards European integration. Emphasizing the importance of the European path of the countries of South-Eastern Europe, Minister Grlić Radman emphasized that at the centre of the accession process must be adherence to the highest democratic standards and the rule of law, fulfilment of all criteria, good-neighbour policy and compliance with the foreign policy of the European Union, including the sanctions regimes and EU visa policy.
The ministers also discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its wider implications. The importance of maintaining unity and continuing comprehensive support for Ukraine was confirmed.
"Croatia understands the demanding task of rebuilding a war-torn community and the complex processes of building trust and post-war reconciliation. Therefore, we decided to provide our own experience and expertise. After hosting the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimean Platform in October 2022, Zagreb will this year host the International Donor Conference on Demining Ukraine on October 11 and 12. This will be a true display of unity and deep support, while at the same time expressing firm commitment to participation in the process of rebuilding Ukraine," Minister Grlić Radman said.
Croatia and Spain continue to cooperate closely and improve their partnership within the EU and NATO, as well as within other international formats such as the MED9 group that Croatia joined in 2021.
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