State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matušić participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 17 to 19 April 2025. In this context, he took part in a panel discussion entitled “Harvesting Peace in the Balkans: Dialogue, Business and Connectivity”, alongside the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Western Balkans and Türkiye.
The panel featured discussions on the importance of cooperation, connectivity and prosperity as key factors in advancing peace and stability in the Balkans. Regional dialogue, infrastructure projects, energy security and defence cooperation were identified as concrete avenues for improving cross-border relations, fostering economic resilience and security, and promoting regional trust - particularly in light of current challenges and opportunities, with a view to better managing uncertainties and shaping a more predictable and stable future. The discussion focused on dialogue, business and connectivity as opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation, while mapping pathways towards a peaceful and prosperous Balkans. Reforms were also highlighted, alongside the progress made by individual Western Balkan countries towards membership in the European Union.
During the panel, Matušić reaffirmed Croatia’s strategic commitment to a stable and prosperous Western Balkans, through the active promotion of reforms and shared economic interests, enhanced connectivity via infrastructure projects, and the resolution of outstanding bilateral issues among countries in the region. He underscored that the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Western Balkans is essential for the stability of the entire region, as well as for improved integration within the framework of the Common Regional Market. In this context, he emphasised the importance of including all Western Balkan countries in regional initiatives, as well as continuing cooperation and dialogue within the framework of the Berlin Process.
On the margins of the Forum, Matušić held bilateral meetings with representatives of Finland, Montenegro, Kosovo and Singapore. Discussions focused on bilateral and economic relations, current global challenges and crises - with particular emphasis on energy-related issues - as well as alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, notably in the area of sanctions.
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