The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Pretoria organized a reception on the occasion of Statehood Day on Thursday, 29 May 2025, at the Pretoria Country Club. The reception was attended by approximately 180 guests from diplomatic and political establishments in the Republic of South Africa, as well as numerous representatives of the Croatian emigrant community and other prominent figures from public life in South Africa.
In the official part of the reception, after the performing of the national anthems of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of South Africa, Ambassador Ante Cicvarić addressed the guests with a welcome speech in which he emphasized the importance of celebrating Statehood Day for Croats, highlighting the context of the jubilee year 2025, which marks the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom.
In his speech, HE Ante Cicvarić emphasized all the important segments of bilateral cooperation that take place through regular political consultations, noting that the last one was held in Zagreb in December 2024, led by State Secretary Fran Matušić and Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister in the Department for International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. H.E. Cicvarić emphasized the importance of accepting the invitation of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation HE Ronald Lamola to participate in this year's Dubrovnik Forum, on July 11 and 12, which has developed into a reputable platform for the exchange of views on the regional, European and global state of affairs over the past two decades, promoting an atmosphere of cooperation among key stakeholders and experts in international relations.
After H.E. Cicvarić, the guests were addressed by Ms. Phumzile Mazibuko, Director General for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa, who confirmed the importance of mutual dialogue through the mechanism of political consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, also emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation, especially through the tourism segment, and the continuation of dialogue and exchange that includes new areas of cooperation. The address was followed by an informal part of the program with a festive lunch for all guests.
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