Japan-Croatia Relations

February 24, 2023
Two ministers shaking hands
Two ministers at the meeting

On February 24, commencing at 0:35 p.m. (local time; February 25, 2:35 a.m. JST) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting New York,U.S. to attend the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine and the Security Council Ministerial Debate, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Gordan Grlić-Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.The overview is as follows.

  1. At the outset, Minister Hayashi mentioned that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Croatia, and expressed his desire to deepen cooperation in a wide range of fields. Foreign Minister Grlić Radman mentioned that he welcomes the diversification of Japanese investment in recent years.
  2. The Ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans. Minister Hayashi,noted that Japan supports the economic and social development of the Western Balkan countries under the "Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative" and hope to contribute to regional stability and prosperity through their accession to the EU.
  3. Regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Minister Hayashi stressed that amid the protracted aggression by Russia against Ukraine, it is important for the international community to unite in continuing strict sanctions against Russia as well as strong support for Ukraine. Minister Hayashi also mentioned that, as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan absolutely cannot accept Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapon under any circumstances.
  4. Minister Hayashi explained that under the severe security environment, Japan formulated the new National Security Strategy at the end of last year.
  5. Both sides exchanged views on the situation in the East and South China Seas, dealing with North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, strengthening the functions of the United Nations including Security Council reform, and confirmed that they will continue to work closely together.

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