Press Releases
Japan-Croatia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Lunch
On July 21, commencing around 12:30 p.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a foreign ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Gordan GRLIC RADMAN, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, who is visiting Japan, for approximately 30 minutes. After that, the two ministers signed the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Air Services (Japan-Croatia Air Services Agreement) and subsequently held a working lunch for approximately 70 minutes. The overview is as follows.
1. Bilateral Relations
Minister Hayashi expressed his pleasure in being able to celebrate with Minister Grlic Radman the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Croatia, a partner with shared values and principles. In addition, Minister Hayashi welcomed Croatia’s participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the establishment of the Honorary Consulate of Croatia in Osaka prior to the Expo, and the intensification of bilateral dialogue.
Minister Grlic Radman stated that it is his pleasure that their relationship is being strengthend through recently expanding new investments from Japan and trade relationship.
The two ministers expressed their expectation for further deepening human exchanges through the Air Services Agreement signed today and concurred to continue communication at various levels to deepen their bilateral relations.
2. International and Regional Affairs
The two ministers exchanged views regarding the situations in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. Based on the view that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, they confirmed that like-minded countries need to be united in their response. Minister Hayashi expressed his respect for Croatia’s active support for Ukraine, including military support, as well as its contribution to energy security in Europe. In addition, the two ministers confirmed to work closely together on the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
Furthermore, the two ministers discussed the situation in the Western Balkans. Minister Grlic Radman made a detailed explanation about the difficult and complicated situations in the Westan Balkans as well as about the importance of the Westan Balkan countries being integrated into Europe even under such situations. He added that Croatia is strongly supporting such efforts. Minister Hayashi noted that Japan supports a strongly united Europe and will cooperate with Croatia, which is actively contributing to the stabilization of the region under the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative.