Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman on Wednesday in Toronto met with his Canadian counterpart Mélanie Joly.

The ministers discussed the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and Canada, underscoring that the two countries’ relations had grown into a strong and reliable bilateral and multilateral partnership, built on shared values and interests.

“A significant contribution to the development of these relations was made by over 250,000 Croats, who made Canada their new home and serve as a bridge between our two countries and peoples,” said Grlić Radman.

The ministers also discussed the advancement of economic cooperation, notably in the fields of energy, shipbuilding and tourism, as well as in the fields of education, science, technology and medicine.

“We welcome the deepening of cooperation in matters of security and defence with Canada, as one of the closest partners of the EU. We share common principles and values ​​and together we continue to face complex global security challenges and threats,” said Grlić Radman, reflecting on the importance the EU-Canada partnership and the importance of the allies’ unity in supporting Ukraine.

In Ottawa, the minister attended a round table organised by the MacDonald-Laurier Institute, where he talked about external and security challenges in Europe and globally. He also reflected on Croatia’s Euro-Atlantic journey and our recent accession to the Schengen Area and the eurozone.

In addition, Grlić Radman attended a ceremony on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and Canada.

“Croatia and Canada might be celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations, but our relations go deeper than that. Croats have been moving to Canada for more than a hundred years. The efforts of these Croats, who made Canada their home, helped build the country in all aspects of public life and private entrepreneurship. They took the best of both worlds to promote and strengthen the ties between our countries and peoples,” the minister underlined.