Croatian Diplomacy Day, celebrated on June 7th, commemorates the historic decision of Pope John VIII, who in 879, recognized the sovereignty of the medieval Croatian state in a letter to Croatian ruler Duke Branimir. Congratulations were extended to the diplomats and all employees of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, who responsibly promote the interests and values of the Republic of Croatia worldwide. Their efforts and dedication make the Republic of Croatia a stronger and more respected country on the international stage. The central celebration was held at the National and University Library.
The official celebration of Croatian Diplomacy Day was organized by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Croatian Diplomatic Club, featuring the opening of the exhibition "Croatia Since Independence" by Zvonimir Frka-Petešić. This exhibition showcases Croatia's arduous journey to becoming a secure, sovereign, and strong state. "Today, Croatia has achieved everything that the Croatian people have longed for centuries - democracy, independence, and a free state," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković during the event. "There is no segment in which Croatia is not keeping pace with the countries of Western and Central Europe," the Prime Minister stated before numerous international and Croatian diplomatic representatives gathered at the Library. Croatia only has to gain membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), after which it will be able to say that it has "fully rounded off its international position," Plenković said. "We are a generation enjoying a time that is unique in the historical context for the Croatian people. We must appreciate this privilege," he added, noting that it is also an obligation for the generation, all Croatian citizens, "especially those who are publicly engaged." They must work to ensure that the state "we have long dreamed of is strong, functional, with stable institutions, to strengthen its democracy, protect it from various threats that exist in the modern world, partly due to incredibly rapid technological advancement, while also strengthening the Croatian economy, ensuring social cohesion, and improving the position of all," the prime minister enumerated "the tasks of our time."
In his address, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković warned that we live in a world full of challenges. "We must be aware that today, when we mention global conflicts, this is a real possibility," which was "something distant" until recently. Jandroković stated that there are many "challenges and threats" to the European continent and global peace and that "all the values on which our civilization rests are at stake." "Our goal is to avoid a major conflict and leave a safe world for future generations and our children," he said, emphasizing the crucial role of diplomacy.
Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman also spoke at the event, thanking Croatian diplomats for their work and emphasizing, "How strong and important Croatian diplomacy is today is evidenced by the fact that Croatia has been a member of the European Union for almost 11 years, and Croatian citizens will, in a few days, elect representatives to the European Parliament for the fourth time. Through membership in the European Union, we have utilized all that membership entails, including strengthening democracy, protecting human and minority rights, and upholding the rule of law." The event was also addressed by Apostolic Nuncio Giorgio Lingua and European Commission Vice President Dubravka Šuica. The Head of the Prime Minister's Office, Zvonimir Frka Petešić, presented the exhibition "Croatia from Independence to Today," which he curated.
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