Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman visited Canada from 26 to 28 September 2026, where in Toronto he took part in the Second International Conference on the Return of Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians and Prisoners of War.
In his address, Grlić Radman said that the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war was a humanitarian priority and a matter of human dignity, fundamental rights and international law. Recalling Croatia’s own experience of armed aggression, he stressed that Croatia, as a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, was calling for the immediate and unconditional return of every deported child. He also underlined Croatia’s support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of Ukrainian veterans and their families, stressing that Croatia would continue to assist Ukraine in building the capacities needed for recovery, reintegration and sustainable peace.
As part of his visit, Grlić Radman met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, with whom he discussed support for Ukraine, EU-Canada relations and developments in the Western Balkans.
Grlić Radman highlighted Croatia’s experience in humanitarian mine action and its contribution to Ukraine’s recovery, and welcomed Canada’s initiative to establish a Ukrainian Veterans Fund. Speaking about the Western Balkans, he underlined Croatia’s support for the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries of the region, stressing the importance of reforms, the rule of law and good-neighbourly relations.
The two sides also exchanged views on further strengthening EU-Canada relations.
Grlić Radman also met with Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. He reaffirmed Croatia’s continued strong support for Ukraine and commended the Congress for its role in preserving Ukrainian identity and strengthening international support for Ukraine. He also expressed Croatia’s support for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership and its readiness to share Croatia’s experience in mine action, peaceful reintegration, veterans’ affairs and the issue of missing persons. Grlić Radman also met with Montenegro’s Minister for Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Gjeka, with whom he discussed Montenegro’s European path and the position of the indigenous Croatian minority in Montenegro.
At a dinner hosted by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the minister highlighted the Chamber’s important role in connecting the Croatian and Canadian business communities. He stressed the potential for stronger economic cooperation, particularly in defence, energy, advanced technologies and critical infrastructure, as well as the opportunities Croatia offers to Canadian investors. He called for further strengthening of trade, investment and business partnerships between the two countries.
During his stay in Canada, Grlić Radman met with the Croatian community in Montreal and Oakville, highlighting its important role in preserving Croatian identity, culture and heritage and in strengthening Croatian-Canadian relations. At a reception in Montreal attended by members of the consular corps and representatives of the Government of Quebec, he introduced Croatia’s newly appointed Honorary Consul Isabella Komšić and congratulated her on assuming office, expressing his strong support for her future work.
In Oakville, he met with Croatian priests, nuns and members of the Croatian community, on which occasion he congratulated the Holy Trinity Croatian Catholic Parish on its 50th anniversary.
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