The State Secretary for Political Affairs, Frano Matušić, participated in the annual regional forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, held in Barcelona on October 27-28, 2024.
The ninth regional forum was opened by Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares Bueno. In their opening remarks, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles, Jordanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, and UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel addressed the situation in Israel and Gaza and the role of the UfM in promoting peace, security, and stability in the region. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and representative of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, also spoke at the event.
Representatives of the UfM member states discussed the advancement of organizational reforms initiated in 2023 and the Union’s future work, which aims to focus more strongly on achieving stability and lasting peace. They also addressed urgent regional challenges, particularly the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, calling for an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and the continued provision of humanitarian, medical, and other forms of aid.
In his address, Matušić highlighted the importance of achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and Lebanon. The state secretary noted the worsening security and humanitarian situation in the region, stressing that a peaceful political solution seems more elusive than ever. He reaffirmed Croatia’s support for a two-state solution achieved through political dialogue, which would ensure security and peace in the Middle East. He also pointed out the region’s long-term challenges, such as uneven economic development, compromised social inclusion and equality, climate change, and illegal migration, which are significant obstacles to a better and safer future for the Mediterranean community. Matušić welcomed the establishment of a Mediterranean portfolio within the European Commission, which represents both a responsibility and an opportunity to direct EU activities and policies for the benefit of Mediterranean countries, as well as the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process next year.
This year’s UfM Regional Forum was attended by high representatives from EU institutions and representatives from the 27 UfM member countries.
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