STATE OF ISRAEL STATE VISITS - RUSSIAN FEDERATION
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NEWSLETTER
of the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS
STATE OF
ISRAEL
24 - 25 JULY
STATE VISITS
RUSSIAN
FEDERATION
15 JULY
SECURITY
COOPERATION
NATO
11 - 12 JULY
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
www.president.hr / 02
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
4-22 STATE VISITS
Portuguese Republic 04
Italian Republic 08
Russian Federation 10
Republic of Albania 14
State of Israel 19
23-26 GLOBAL AGENDA
Russian Federation 23
Kingdom of Norway 24
Republic of Iceland 25
People’s Republic of China 26
27-35 SECURITY COOPERATION
U.S. Attorney General 27
NATO Summit 31
U.S. Secretary of Defense 35
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
COOPERATION WITH
36-37 NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Trilateral Meeting Slovenia – Croatia – Austria 36
Bosnia and Herzegovina 37
38-44 EUROPEAN UNION
President of the European Council 38
President’s Lecture 40
President of the European Commission 42
Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland 43
Austrian Federal Minister for Europe,
Integration and Foreign Affairs 44
SENSE CROATIA
45 Osijek-Baranja County 45
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
STATE VISITS www.president.hr / 04
State Visit to
Portuguese Republic
LISBON, 11 May
Following an invitation from the President of the countries will be strengthened and pointed out that
Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the the expansion of the European Union to the Western
President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- Balkan countries will remain one of the priorities for the
Kitarović paid a return State Visit to the Portuguese Republic of Croatia.
Republic. A welcoming ceremony was held at the
Praça do Império Square. “In the past twenty-five years there has never been
any open issue between Portugal and Croatia”, the
The two Presidents held a tête-à-tête followed by President said. “Croatia’s international recognition came
a bilateral meeting of the official delegations of the during the Portuguese EU Presidency”, she added.
Republic of Croatia and the Portuguese Republic.
The governments of both countries signed the
President Grabar-Kitarović announced that economic Cooperation Programme in the Fields of Language,
and educational cooperation between the two Education and Science, Culture, Sports and Youth for
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
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the Period 2018-2020. “The Cooperation Programme is “Croatia is committed to retaining traditional funds
a bridge toward the future”, said Portuguese President such as the Agriculture Fund and the Cohesion
Rebelo de Sousa. Fund, which enable our countries to achieve similar
development. Ultimately, the goal must be to erase the
“We share European values, our relations are excellent. boundaries that are still seen in Europe in the standard
We believe in the values of unity, human solidarity and of living, economic development and infrastructure,
growth”, the Portuguese President said. especially in countries that did not have democratic
systems and market economies”, the Croatian President
The two Presidents talked about the current challenges said.
facing the European Union and put forward common
positions. “The two States are on the opposite sides of President Grabar-Kitarović singled out economic growth
the European Union, but are working on the integration and employment, especially of the youth, transport,
of the European Union, its stronger cohesion and energy and security linkages, as well as the enlargement
further democratization of the process, and on forging a of the European Union among other priorities.
closer relationship between the European Union and our
governments with the citizens. This is the only way we The practice of holding summits with Western Balkan
can cope with growing populism and other tendencies, countries will continue so as to ensure their progress
which we are witnessing today in the European Union on the path toward membership in the European Union,
and which are eroding European values”, said President the Croatian President asserted.
Grabar-Kitarović.
The President announced Croatian priorities for the first
half of 2020, when it takes over the EU Presidency.
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President of the Republic
Meets with Businesspeople
LISBON, 11 May President Grabar-Kitarović stated that it is crucial
for the two countries to get closer, through student
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda exchange programmes, cooperation in the fields of
Grabar-Kitarović addressed businesspeople at the culture and gastronomy, business excursions and
missions.
Business Forum Portugal – Croatia in Lisbon.
The electronics and shipbuilding industries, as well
The President stated that the strengthening of as the defence industry are important fields of
economic ties was in the interest of both States, as potential future cooperation between Croatia and
was confirmed by the signing of the Memorandum Portugal. Transport links and tourism are other areas of
of Understanding between the Croatian Chamber cooperation singled out by the President of the Republic
of Economy and the Portuguese Global Trade & as attractive and conducive to the improvement of
Investment Agency (AICEP) last year, on the occasion overall economic cooperation.
of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s visit to the
Republic of Croatia. She invited Portuguese businesspeople to explore
investment opportunities in the Republic of Croatia.
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President Grabar-
Kitarović in Fátima
FÁTIMA, 13 May “We are honoured to have the Croatian President here and
to share this moment of faith. A moment of faith for so
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda many Croatian and Portuguese Catholics”, said Portuguese
Grabar-Kitarović visited Fátima on the final day of her President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
State Visit, where she participated in a procession and “The Virgin Mary is considered to be the queen. In
attended holy mass. Portugal, she has been the queen since 1640 when we
won back our independence. This is also a special moment
“I am grateful to the Portuguese President for inviting me
for Croatia for historical and traditional reasons. We
on the 101st Anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparitions
experienced this moment together very emotionally”, said
in Fátima. To me these are special moments, when we
the Portuguese President.
contemplate about ourselves, and most of all about
others”, said President Grabar-Kitarović leaving the
Sanctuary of Fátima, and added: “Tonight, all of you in
Croatia were in my thoughts and prayers”.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIA
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Official Visit
to Italian Republic
ROME, 29 May for their strong support of Croatia’s goal to join the
Schengen Area and announced Croatia’s priorities when
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- Zagreb assumes the Presidency of the European Union
Kitarović was on a return Official Visit to the Italian in the first half of 2020.
Republic on the invitation of Italian President Sergio President Mattarella underlined that there is potential
Mattarella. for intensifying cooperation, especially in economy and
trade. The Croatian President agreed and highlighted
Her official visit to the Italian Republic began with a
an interest for further strengthening cooperation
tête-à-tête with her Italian counterpart. Afterwards,
in many common areas. Referring to the maritime
bilateral talks of the official delegations of the Republic
sector, the President stated that Croatia and Italy are
of Croatia and the Italian Republic were held.
committed to advancing mutual cooperation aimed at
Both Presidents agreed that bilateral relations between the development of ports in both countries, thereby
the two States are traditionally high quality and underlining the importance of freight and passenger
friendly with no outstanding issues, and that political traffic connections in the Adriatic region.
dialogue on various levels are dynamic and on the rise.
On the topic of defence cooperation, the President
President Grabar-Kitarović expressed her pleasure with
emphasized that Italy is Croatia’s most important
the compatibility of the foreign policy priorities of the
partner in terms of maritime security and that this
two States, and added that Croatia appreciated Italy’s
relationship should remain on a high level. “The
continuous support during Euro-Atlantic integration
excellent cooperation between our Navies is natural,
processes. Furthermore, she expressed gratitude
since our two countries have a strong maritime
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tradition, and desirable as well, because our duty and underlined that it is important to preserve the current
interests are to assure that the Adriatic remains an area position and presence of the lectorate of Croatian
of stability”, President Grabar-Kitarović added. language and literature at Italian universities.
She expressed her pleasure that she will meet with President Mattarella welcomed the proclamation of
Croats from the Molise region, who have lived there the City of Rijeka as the European Capital of Culture,
for centuries and are celebrating the 500th Anniversary highlighting that this can illustrate communion
of their arrival to the Italian Adriatic coast this year. between culture and heritage.
She thanked the Italian Republic for earmarking
financial resources for the maintenance of local roads in In the course of her State Visit, President Grabar-
municipalities with Croatian-speaking minority. Kitarović met with the President of the Senate Maria
Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, and with the President of
Furthermore, the talks focused on strong and the Chamber of Deputies Roberto Fico.
substantial cooperation, between cultural institutions
and artists. Accordingly, the Croatian President
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President on a Working
Visit to the Russian
Federation
football tournament that has set new standards and
MOSCOW, 15 July
expressed gratitude for the outstanding hospitality that
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda the Russian people have shown towards Croatian football
fans in all of the cities where the Croatian national
Grabar-Kitarović took part in a one-day working visit
football team played its matches. This confirms the strong
to the Russian Federation on 15 July, on the occasion
historical ties between the two peoples, which should
of the 2018 World Cup final match. While in Moscow, especially be highlighted this year, when a series of major
the Croatian President met with the President of the cultural events are being held to mark the 50th Anniversary
Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. of friendship between Zagreb and Saint Petersburg.
President Grabar-Kitarović congratulated President Putin During their meeting at the Kremlin, the Croatian
on the highly successful organization of the World Cup President and her Russian counterpart agreed with the
Source: Photo Office of the President of the Russian Federation
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assessment that significant progress has been made in cooperation, which was already facilitated by a successful
the bilateral relationship between the two countries in a business forum held in Moscow last October. President
number of fields, since October 2017, when the meeting Grabar-Kitarović also reflected on the role of Russian
of the two Presidents in Sochi was held during the banks in reaching a settlement on Agrokor and on their
Official Visit of President Grabar-Kitarović to the Russian plans for the further development of Agrokor.
Federation.
The two leaders agreed that a return visit of the Russian
The Croatian President specifically highlighted the need President to the Republic of Croatia in the near future
to resolve the issue of air quality in Slavonski Brod by would provide a strong contribution to the dialogue
modernizing the refinery in neighbouring Bosanski Brod, between the two countries.
as well as possibilities for strengthening economic
Source: Photo Office of the President of the Russian Federation
Source: Photo Office of the President of the Russian Federation
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State Visit to Republic
of Albania
TIRANA, 18 July
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda linkages, from building the Adriatic-Ionian highway to
introducing ferry services and direct commercial flights,
Grabar-Kitarović paid a State Visit to the Republic President Grabar-Kitarović and her Albanian host
of Albania upon the invitation of the President of the President Meta agreed.
Republic of Albania Ilir Meta.
“We need to strengthen our cooperation that is already
The State Visit started with a welcoming ceremony fruitful, but our two countries have great potential for
and a tête-à-tête with Albanian President Meta. After developing it further”, said President Grabar-Kitarović.
a bilateral meeting between official delegations of the “Both sides are interested in strengthening cooperation
Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Albania, both in areas such as energy, road and railway transport,
Presidents delivered statements. tourism, agriculture, food industry, as well as in IT and
defence industries”, added the Croatian President. She
Bilateral economic cooperation between Croatia and said that establishing transport connections, including
Albania is advancing steadily and the prerequisite for its the completion of the Adriatic-Ionian highway, the
greater expansion lies in establishing better transport introduction of the Rijeka-Durrës ferry service and
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASTATE VISITS www.president.hr / 13
direct flights between Zagreb and Tirana are the main Croatian economy’s great dependence on tourism. She
conditions for expanding cooperation. said that the chapter on environmental protection in
Albania’s EU accession negotiation process is among
Albanian President Meta said that relations between the “most complex” and expressed the willingness and
the two countries need to be “raised to a strategic readiness of the Croatian side to assist Tirana with this
partnership level”. “We have many common interests, pressing issue. According to her, the two countries will
particularly in tourism, energy and infrastructure”, work together also in cooperation with the UNDP.
President Meta said, particularly singling out the
construction of the Adriatic-Ionian highway and the President Meta thanked his Croatian counterpart for
Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline (IAP), which would be in her strong support to Albania on its EU accession path
conjunction with the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline project and noted that national minorities present a major link
(TAP). “By establishing these corridors we will become between the two nations. “These are powerful bridges
even more closely connected”, the Albanian President of connection in view of the closeness among the two
underlined. peoples”, he said while emphasizing the “extraordinary,
centuries-old friendship between Croatia and Albania”.
The Croatian President recalled that the Croatian
companies Končar, Crosco and others took part in major The Croatian President pointed out that the Albanian
projects in Albania, such as the renovation of the Durrës minority is an example of successful inclusiveness and
harbour and the construction of the Tirana-Podgorica that it is an important factor “woven into the fabric
power line and power plants in the country. of Croatian society”. She highlighted the Albanian
minority’s contribution during Croatia’s struggle for
Another topic discussed by the two Presidents was the independence. “Out of the 18,000 Albanians who
issue of pollution in the Adriatic Sea, especially visible lived in Croatia in 1990, 2,500 volunteered to fight in
in the winter months due to winds and sea currents. the Homeland War. Sadly, 87 died, 386 were severely
President Grabar-Kitarović stressed the strategic wounded and 37 are still listed as missing”, said
importance of protecting the Adriatic Sea, given the President Grabar-Kitarović.
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Second Day of State Visit
to Republic of Albania
TIRANA, 18 July
On the second day of her State Visit to the Republic Minister of the Republic of Albania Edi Rama and the
of Albania, the President of the Republic of Croatia Chairman of the Parliament of Albania Gramoz Ruçi.
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović held a meeting with the Prime
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President Attends Presentation of
UN Development Programme Project
DURRËS, 19 July The prevention of a possible incident is the most important
step we must take to protect the coastal areas of the
President Grabar-Kitarović visited the port city of Adriatic, President Grabar-Kitarović pointed out. She said
Durrës where she attended the presentation of a UN that waste management is also important for Croatia and
Development Programme (UNDP) project Marine and this is especially relevant in the winter months, when
Coastal Pollution Management for Enhanced Maritime wind and sea currents bring waste to Croatia’s coastline.
Safety in Accordance with Maritime Laws and EU Significant efforts and financial resources are being
Policies that is also financially supported by Croatia. invested in clean-up activities. The President noted that
cooperation on this matter should be established not just
“I think this is a great investment. The Adriatic Sea is a with Albania, but with Montenegro and other countries in
source of wealth. This is our environment for which we are the Adriatic, as well.
all jointly responsible”, said President Grabar-Kitarović.
“We would rather invest money in pollution prevention”,
Addressing those present, including the Albanian Minister President Grabar-Kitarović underscored. She expressed
of Energy and Industry Damian Gjiknuri, UNDP Director for satisfaction with the fact that all of her Albanian
Albania Limya Eltayeb and representative of the Adriatic colleagues agreed on the vital need to protect the Adriatic
Training and Research Centre ATRAC Vedran Martinić, the Sea from various types of pollution. “The Adriatic is a key
Croatian President said that the protection of the Adriatic resource for our countries, especially when it comes to
Sea and pollution prevention are of paramount importance tourism, the main pillar of our economies”, the President
to Croatia, but that it is also the responsibility of other stressed.
countries to take joint action.
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President of State of Israel on
State Visit to Republic
of Croatia
ZAGREB, 24 July As Mediterranean countries similar in size that are
located in historically turbulent regions, Croatia and
The President of the State of Israel Reuven Rivlin was Israel should “explore every possibility to strengthen
on a two-day State Visit to the Republic of Croatia cooperation”, President Grabar-Kitarović said following
the meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who
upon the invitation of the President of the Republic of
called on the two countries to look toward the future,
Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović. as well as extract the lessons from the “dark moments
of the past”.
President Rivlin commenced his State Visit with an
official welcoming ceremony at the Office of the “Croatia and Israel, as Mediterranean countries, should
President of the Republic of Croatia. Following a tête-à- explore every possibility to strengthen cooperation
tête between President Grabar-Kitarović and President between the northern and southern Mediterranean
Rivlin, bilateral talks were held between the official shores, from joint heritage, to joint problems we are
delegations of the Republic of Croatia and the State of facing today, such as migration and security, as well as
Israel. The two Presidents then delivered statements. joint opportunities in the field of energy, agriculture,
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tourism, industry and other branches of economic of the F-16 Barak will be signed this fall. “I am also
activity”, the President said. She expressed her belief very pleased that there is a lot of interest for future
that the strengthening and deepening of cooperation is investments and cooperation by the Israeli defence
possible in all areas – economy, security, science and industry in Croatia. There is a lot of potential for a
high technology, culture. “We have a solid foundation mutually beneficial relationship between our industries
for moving our relations to a strategic level”, said and defence sectors”, the President said and announced
President Grabar-Kitarović. the plan for a joint Defence Industry Conference.
Speaking of the two countries that are “located In relation to economic cooperation, President Grabar-
in historically turbulent regions and undergoing a Kitarović expressed satisfaction with the continued
transitional period”, the President sent a message growth of trade between Croatia and Israel, but also
of Croatia as being a friend and ally of Israel in the noted that it was very modest, standing at only about
European Union, NATO and the United Nations. $50 million. “I believe it can be raised to at least $200
million and more”.
She confirmed that the focus of the delegation talks
was on military and economic cooperation and said that The President added that Croatian companies can
the acquisition of F-16 Barak combat aircraft has taken offer Israeli partners their experience and knowledge
defence cooperation and overall relations to a whole in construction, shipbuilding, furniture production and
new level. “Certainly we can say that this is not just other areas. She recalled that in 2017 the Agreement
about selling military equipment but also the first step on cooperation in the agricultural sector between the
towards a long-standing strategic relationship between Republic of Croatia and the State of Israel was signed,
Croatia and Israel”, said President Grabar-Kitarović. which provides a legal framework for institutional,
expert and scientific cooperation.
She added that the Ministry of Defence is very pleased
with the ongoing contract negotiations and that she “Croatia is interested in the transfer of know-how
is optimistic that the final contract for the delivery and experience in the field of irrigation and the
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application of modern technologies in agriculture and Croatian National Football Team at the World Cup in
food-processing”, President Grabar-Kitarović said. She Russia, for reaching the finals. He quipped that this was
expressed hope that in the process of strengthening all the real reason for his visit and that he came to learn
forms of bilateral cooperation there will be an increase and pass on knowledge to the Israeli team.
in Israeli investments.
“The whole world watched you root for your team; we
The two Presidents also talked about historical issues saw a leader who loves her people, who is proud of her
and the suffering of the Jews on the territory of people and cheer her team. We greatly appreciate this,
present-day Croatia, and about Holocaust education. but we also appreciate the deep and close friendship of
“First of all, I have to underline that the democratic our peoples”, said President Rivlin.
foundations of modern Croatia are firmly based on
antifascism and the defensive Homeland War, in which He expressed satisfaction with cooperation and growing
Croatia, as a sovereign State, defended itself from trade between the two countries that look together
attack. This is clearly stated in our Constitution, which, towards the future. “But we also need to know the
at the same time, guarantees and protects the basic past, which was not always easy and which has seen
democratic values of all Croatian citizens – rule of many dark moments, from which we have to learn”,
law, human rights, minority rights”, President Grabar- President Rivlin said, adding that there were a lot of
Kitarović asserted. heroes in the past, including many Croats, 117 of whom
have been proclaimed as Righteous Among the Nations.
The Croatian President recalled that every Croatian
Government to date has shown its deep respect “Each one of them was a light in the darkness”, he said,
for all the victims of the Holocaust. “Croatia takes adding that we have to face, still today, the threat of
very seriously its cooperation with all institutions, in hate and terror. “We need to protect our peoples in the
Israel and elsewhere, which keep the memory of the war against terror, we have to work together to make
Holocaust and its victims alive, and has time and again sure our people are safe. We will defend our peoples
proved its active and deep commitment to the global and our values and we will do it together”, said the
determination in the fight against anti-Semitism”, said President of the State of Israel.
the Croatian President.
In July 2015, President Grabar-Kitarović was on a
She added that to date there are 117 Croats who are working visit to Israel where she met with President
“Righteous Among the Nations” and that in April 2015 Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker
she personally participated in a bestowing ceremony of the Knesset Yuli-Yoel Edelstein. On that occasion
to Dr. Stanko Sielski. “Croatian society, as any other she also visited Yad Vashem and expressed her deepest
democratic society, has its own internal dialogue sadness and sorrow for all Holocaust victims in Croatia,
on historical issues, often a very emotional one, who were killed by the collaborationist Ustasha regime
primarily because many citizens have their own painful during the Second World War. While in Israel, the
experience from different periods of Croatian history”, Croatian President spoke, in Hebrew, the words of the
explained President Grabar-Kitarović. famous Israeli poet Haim Hefer: “Righteous one, I bow
before you”.
The President of the State of Israel Reuven Rivlin is the
third Israeli President to visit Croatia, but the first on a
State Visit to Croatia. Moshe Katsav visited Croatia in
2003 and Shimon Peres visited the country in 2010.
In his statement, President Rivlin said that he must
first congratulate Croatia on the “big success” of the
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Croatian-Israeli Defence
Industry Conference
ZAGREB, 25 July
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda industrial and security sector, into other areas of our
Grabar-Kitarović and the President of the State economy as well. In this context, the composition of
of Israel Reuven Rivlin held a meeting with the Israeli delegation gives me reason for optimism”,
asserted President Grabar-Kitarović.
representatives of the Ministry of Defence of the
Republic of Croatia and the Israeli Defence Industry, “It is in our best interest – States and private
after which they addressed participants of the companies alike – to take this relationship to another
Croatian-Israeli Defence Industry Conference. level. I am sure we will look back at this event as a
milestone in our relations of partnership and friendship
During the last two years we have all witnessed a between Croatia and Israel”, said the Croatian
remarkable process – the establishment of a truly President, speaking to senior representatives of
strategic partnership between Croatia and Israel. This Croatian and Israeli defence industry firms.
process has been driven primarily by our mutual defence
cooperation and the acquisition of the F-16 Barak Israeli President Rivlin expressed hope that the
fighter jet, as well as other advanced systems for our deepening of cooperation between the two countries
Armed Forces, said the President of the Republic of will grow, not only in defence, but also in other areas
Croatia and Commander in Chief. such as agriculture, green energy, science and the
economy. “We are here to help the Croatian defence
“It is my firm belief that this relationship between our forces, which are the most professional and best in
countries is only beginning and that there is immense the region and beyond, to become even better”, said
potential for further growth of our cooperation. President Rivlin.
Hopefully this will also expand beyond the defence
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“Security and peace should not be taken for granted. Following the formal opening of the Croatian-Israeli
Security is freedom from violence, defence of our Defence Industry Conference, a contract on strategic
borders, protection of sovereignty and territorial cooperation in the production of robots for operating in
integrity, protection from cyber-attacks, the ability extreme conditions was signed between the Croatian
to communicate in all conditions. Security presumes and Israeli firms DOK ING and Israel Aerospace
cooperation and it must take place in many areas. Israel Industries. According to the contract, the Croatian firm
wants to expand and deepen cooperation between will provide a platform and the Israeli firm will provide
our two countries. Much has been achieved over the the technology for the joint production of a robotic
past years, but we can do even more”, President Rivlin vehicle that will be able to operate in nuclear, chemical
underscored. and other disasters. The contract was signed by Joseph
Weiss and Vjekoslav Majetić.
He called Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krstičević
a “wonderful friend of Israel” and Croatian President
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović a “President above all
Presidents”.
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Croatian and Israeli
Presidents Visit Jasenovac
Memorial Site
JASENOVAC, 25 July convinced that it is most appropriate to do it by deeply
bowing to all the victims in silence.
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda
Here today, at the base of the Stone Flower of
Grabar-Kitarović and the President of the State of Jasenovac, I want to express my deep sorrow for all
Israel Reuven Rivlin visited the Jasenovac Memorial of the victims of the Holocaust in Croatia and the
Site Memorial Museum and laid wreaths at the victims of the collaborationist Ustasha regime during
Jasenovac Stone Flower monument. the Second World War, which inflicted terrible suffering
upon the Jewish community, but also upon Serbs, Roma
On this occasion, the President of the Republic of and Croats and all those who were considered enemies
Croatia delivered the following address: of the regime at that time. I have already done so in this
place of sorrow, as well as in Yad Vashem, Auschwitz
„It was a harrowing experience to listen to the and at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington
testimonies of those who survived this horrendous D.C. Today I wish to once again express my deepest
place at Jasenovac, to whom President Rivlin has just sympathy for all of the victims of the Holocaust from
given a voice. We owe respect to every single individual Croatia, to the families and descendants of those who
who perished during the Holocaust. I am deeply are no longer with us.
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I emphasize that a great number of Croats opposed the truth and building a better society upon the values
that regime and died for freedom and humanity, putting embedded in the Constitution of our country.
our homeland on the right side of history. Among them
were the Righteous Among the Nations from Croatia, Today, Croatia is a proud member of the European
who were a symbol of light and courage in the darkness Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,
of war and atrocities. We are extremely grateful for founded on common values, values that we share with
their courage. the State of Israel and the international community –
the values of democracy, freedom and respect for every
The contemporary Republic of Croatia is founded on individual, regardless of their background.
the anti-fascist movement and on the Homeland War,
which was extremely important for us because we I use this opportunity to once again condemn every
finally gained our freedom. We were forced to defend totalitarian regime – Nazism, fascism, communism
ourselves from aggression that brought terrible crimes – and to emphasize that education is the most
and destruction. After the Second World War, we were powerful weapon against any form of radical ideology,
convinced that nothing similar would ever happen again division, hatred and racism. Precisely for that reason
on European soil. But then we witnessed tragedies such I strongly condemn any manipulations of the number
as Škabrnja, Vukovar and Srebrenica. These tragedies of Holocaust victims in the Jasenovac concentration
are a testament to how peace and the common values camp, which are not based on historical facts and
of humanity and democracy must never be taken for are used for daily political purposes or for attributing
granted. collective guilt to Croatia and the Croatian people.
No political objective or any political order can justify We are here, first and foremost as human beings, as
the crimes that are committed in their name. Therefore, parents, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters.
Croatia continues to nurture the collective memory of
It is our responsibility to persevere in upholding the
the atrocities that took place here, of the tragedy of
truth.
Croatian citizens and the crimes which were committed
against Croatian citizens. Lest it be forgotten.
We are aware of the fact that a shadow has been cast So that it may never happen again.
upon this part of our history and we have faced it,
having accepted responsibility for our future based on Tikkún Olám“
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AGENDA
President of the Republic
Meets with Governor of
Saint Petersburg
ZAGREB, 8 June The Croatian President stressed that stable relations
with the Russian Federation are an important part of
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Croatian foreign policy and said she is convinced that
relations between the Russian Federation and the
Grabar-Kitarović held a meeting with the Governor of
Republic of Croatia, as a responsible EU and NATO
Saint Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko, who visited Member State, will continue to develop in the spirit
Zagreb to mark the 50th Anniversary of friendship of mutual understanding and open dialogue. She
between the Croatian capital and the Russian city. emphasized that the Russian Federation is a major
factor and a key player in view of ensuring security
President Grabar-Kitarović and Governor Poltavchenko and stability in South East Europe. President Grabar-
pointed out that this year is particularly significant Kitarović expressed gratitude for Russia’s readiness to
for continuing the enhancement of overall relations, find a solution to cross-border air pollution in Slavonski
especially cultural and economic ties between Croatia Brod, which is originating from the Oil Refinery Brod.
and Russia. The current guest performance of the
Leonid Yakobson State Ballet Theatre from Saint
Petersburg and the recently opened exhibition on
Catherine the Great in Zagreb were highlighted.
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AGENDA
Croatian President Receives
Norwegian Prime Minister
ZAGREB, 3 July At the meeting, great emphasis was placed on the
forthcoming NATO summit in Brussels and particularly
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda on defence allocations, as well as on the overall
Grabar-Kitarović received the Prime Minister of the security and political situation in South East Europe.
Kingdom of Norway Erna Solberg, who paid an Official Discussions between the two leaders focused on Bosnia
and Herzegovina and the need to continue supporting
Visit to the country.
that country on its Euro-Atlantic integration path.
President Grabar-Kitarović and Prime Minister Solberg
A potential migrant crisis facing Europe was also a topic
agreed that Croatia and Norway are important partners,
of discussion, for which a long-term solution is needed,
which enjoy excellent bilateral cooperation and have
especially in terms of strengthening cooperation with
similar values, although geographically on the opposite
countries of origin and transit.
sides of the European continent.
The very friendly meeting was concluded by agreeing
Prime Minister Solberg reflected on the laying of the
on the need for further strengthening the very good
cornerstone of the biomass-fired power plant of the
economic and political cooperation between the two
firm Maksim Trade Energija and pellet factory Bio Peleti
friendly States, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
Energija, in which the Norwegian side plans to invest
18.7 million euros.
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AGENDA
President of the Republic of
Croatia Meets with Prime
Minister of the Republic of Iceland
BRUSSELS, 11 July
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- The two leaders touched on other current topics and
Kitarović held a bilateral meeting with the Prime discussed the present situation in South East Europe, as
Minister of the Republic of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir well as migration issues facing Europe today.
on the margins of the NATO Summit.
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir invited President
President Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia and Iceland Grabar-Kitarović to attend the annual Women Political
enjoy high quality bilateral relations and stressed that Leaders Global Forum. She also congratulated the Croatian
Iceland will always have a prominent place in the modern President on the current success achieved by the Croatian
history of Croatia as the first Western country to recognize national football team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Croatia as an independent and sovereign State.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIAGLOBAL www.president.hr / 26
AGENDA
President of the Republic
Receives President of
China Railway Group Ltd.
ZAGREB, 9 July
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Mr. Zhang expressed his satisfaction with the
Grabar-Kitarović received representatives of China professionally conducted international tender in selecting
Railway Group Ltd. headed by its President Zhang the contractor for the reconstruction of the Zaprešić-
Zongyan. Zabok railway line, at which the firm China Railway Group
Ltd. participated. Likewise, he announced the participation
President Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia attaches of this large Chinese firm in major infrastructure projects
great importance to strengthening cooperation with the in the future, such as road, rail, port and energy, and
People’s Republic of China in all areas of common interest, especially highlighted the firm’s interest in the Rijeka-
particularly in the areas of the economy, culture and Zagreb-Budapest railway modernization project.
science. She announced that in the period ahead a number
of infrastructure projects are planned in the Republic of
Croatia and called on Chinese investors to participate in
tenders for such projects.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 27
COOPERATION
President Meets with
U.S. Attorney General
ZAGREB, 24 May and that it is important to maintain a continuous and
open dialogue and cooperation between the relevant
institutions and services of South East Europe countries
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda
on one side, and those in the European Union and the
Grabar-Kitarović held a meeting with United States
United States of America, on the other.
Attorney General Jefferson B. Sessions, at which they
discussed possibilities for further improving the high- Attorney General Sessions confirmed that the United
quality bilateral relations and alliance between the States shares an interest in South East Europe and agreed
two countries, that could be advanced by signing a with President Grabar-Kitarović on the significance of
double taxation avoidance agreement and by including continuous U.S. support for keeping the European and
the Republic of Croatia in the United States Visa Euro-Atlantic perspective for this part of Europe.
Waiver Program.
President Grabar-Kitarović acquainted Attorney General
The U.S. Attorney General reflected on his participation Sessions with the strategic importance of the future
in a workshop on transnational organized crime and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal on the island of
exchanged views with the Croatian President on matters Krk, which will contribute to the energy diversification
concerning the political and security situation in South of Central Europe and the strengthening of European
East Europe. Both agreed that numerous threats exist cohesion and energy security.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 28
COOPERATION
President Holds Meeting
with NATO Secretary
General
BRUSSELS, 14 June turned from a country that used to be a security receiver
to a security provider, and using not only our experience
The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović but the human resources and the funding to be able to
deal with the modern threats that the Alliance as whole
held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens
is facing but also that Croatia is facing”, President Grabar-
Stoltenberg.
Kitarović stated.
President Grabar-Kitarović said that Croatia remains a She added that they also discussed NATO’s role in today’s
committed ally and wants to work on burden-sharing and threats and occurrences such as illegal migrations. “NATO
transatlantic integrations. “Croatia is a country that has is removing and reducing root causes from Afghanistan to
experienced a much longer period of recession than other our other partner countries in order to deal with potential
NATO members. We want to have a role in burden-sharing, terrorism.
in contributing very specifically to the peacekeeping and
peacemaking missions around the world that are in the She indicated that she is looking forward to the upcoming
context of NATO, but also in the context of the EU, the Summit with great expectations. “First, it will be an
UN and others. I do believe that Croatia has now firmly opportunity to reaffirm our transatlantic bond, the
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 29
COOPERATION
commitment towards not just joint defence but again EU or NATO membership to fulfill all the pertinent criteria
working together toward securing our future. I am also for membership,” the President said, and added that
looking forward to the declaration with the European she is pleased that Athens and Skopje have reached an
Union and the commitment of the EU to increase agreement regarding the country’s name.
defence spending and to work with NATO to avoid any
overlaps and to complement each other in providing for Furthermore, she mentioned that Croatia looks with
our own defence but also the defence or the security special concern to Bosnia and Herzegovina and feels that
of our neighbourhoods to the east and to the south, the Membership Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina
which is especially important to us, countries that are is very important. “It is far from being a member of
on the margins or on the borders of the Alliance or of the NATO, but (membership) would help unlock some of the
European Union”, she said. processes in the country and it would help unlock the
stalemate that the country has found itself in, in terms
“With that respect, of course, what is very important of progress towards the Euro-Atlantic integration, and
for Croatia is what happens in our own neighbourhood it would give the key to those forces which are trying
in South East Europe, the way that we counter the to move the country forward in terms of progress and
influences of third countries or third groups from outside in terms of further democratic, institutional and other
of the region that would like to determine the processes development”, President Grabar-Kitarović underlined.
including the political future of our neighbouring countries.
We do believe it is the right of every single country to
choose their own path and, of course, on their way to the
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 30
COOPERATION
President Grabar-Kitarović Receives
Minnesota National Guard Adjutant
General MG Jon Jensen
ZAGREB, 10 July
The President of the Republic of Croatia and Excellent defence cooperation was achieved through the
Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces support provided to the Croatian Armed Forces by the
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received the Adjutant General Minnesota National Guard in building defence capabilities,
of the Minnesota National Guard Major General Jon A. including those required for the Croatian Army to
Jensen, with whom she discussed defence and security participate in international Peace Support Operations, as
cooperation. well as in humanitarian and search and rescue operations.
The SPP has provided and continues to provide significant
The Croatian President underlined that the United States support to the Croatian Armed Forces in interoperability
of America is the main partner of the Republic of Croatia development, the development of civil-military and civil-
in the fields of defence, security and military-military civil cooperation in emergency situations and cybersecurity.
cooperation, and through bilateral defence cooperation
the Croatian side has confirmed that it is a committed and It was concluded that outstanding cooperation between
trustworthy partner and ally. She noted that as part of the the Croatian Armed Forces and the Minnesota National
Alliance, and within the framework of the State Partnership Guard has developed into a strategic partnership within
Program (SPP), successful cooperation between the the framework of the SPP as part of the overall, extremely
Croatian Armed Forces and the Minnesota National Guard successful bilateral military cooperation between the
is of great significance. United States of America and the Republic of Croatia.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 31
COOPERATION
NATO Summit in Brussels
BRUSSELS, 11 July
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda the focus of this Summit. Croatia is among the countries
Grabar-Kitarović participated in a NATO Summit in that are particularly active also in this regard”, said
Brussels. Prior to the start of the first session of the President Grabar-Kitarović.
North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State
“The stabilization of the area of South East Europe is
and Government, President Grabar-Kitarović said she
extremely important to us. I am pleased that positive
believes that NATO leaders will reach an agreement messages will be sent to Macedonia, following the
on common goals and expressed satisfaction that agreement with Greece. I believe and hope that the
the Alliance will focus on developments in NATO’s agreement will be confirmed at a referendum, which I
strategic direction south. regard as a historic one, indeed. I also hope that all of
us at NATO will help Macedonia complete this process.
“What is particularly important for Croatia is that we Membership can be expected within a year, a year and
have been able to draw the attention of NATO members, a half, and it is important that Macedonia can, in the
who have for many years been focusing on other areas, meantime, attend meetings without voting rights”,
especially Europe’s east, to the strategic direction President Grabar-Kitarović underlined.
south and to the dangers coming from that area – from
potential terrorist activities, illegal migrations, arms and The Croatian President voiced her disappointment with
human trafficking, to all the other problems we see in the the fact that the Membership Action Plan (MAP) for
Mediterranean – and that the southern dimension will be Bosnia and Herzegovina was not activated.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 32
COOPERATION
“We were among the group of countries advocating for necessary framework for dialogue between all of us and
the activation of the MAP for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of further reforms,
As we know, the activation of this programme is far restoring capacities, adapting the entire security system,
from membership, as we can see from the example but also for conducting dialogue on peace, stability and
of Macedonia, which has gone through an 18-year prosperity in South East Europe. I believe that peace
MAP cycle. MAP would be of great help to Bosnia and can never be taken for granted”, said President Grabar-
Herzegovina in pushing reforms, as it would provide the Kitarović.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 33
COOPERATION
NATO Summit Ends
BRUSSELS, 12 July as possible”, the Croatian President said, while expressing
her disappointment with the fact that no progress has
yet been made in activating the Membership Action
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda
Plan (MAP) for Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We all have a
Grabar-Kitarović, who participated in a two-day
responsibility for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Summit of Heads of State and Government of NATO
and the stability of South East Europe, and we never
Member States in Brussels, said that the meeting was
again want to witness an event such as the anniversary of
successful, although at times it was also challenging.
the tragedy in Srebrenica.
President Grabar-Kitarović expressed satisfaction that
President Grabar-Kitarović said that she pointed out to
NATO has finally focused on its strategic direction south,
President Trump the need for signing a double taxation
and not just the east, due to a number of threats coming
avoidance agreement between the United States
from that direction, such as uncontrolled migrations,
and Croatia, which would open the way for greater
terrorism and radical ideologies.
investments and trade between the two countries. The
“That is why the expansion of NATO is important. Croatian President added that she had asked President
Macedonia has finally received the invitation and we Trump for his additional engagement in regard to the LNG
would like its accession process to be concluded as soon terminal and diversification of energy supply.
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 34
COOPERATION
On the margins of the Summit, President Grabar- ‘waiting room’. They support us in view of entering the
Kitarović also talked with German Chancellor Angela Schengen Area and I believe that we will continue to
Merkel. The two leaders discussed regional issues, have positive cooperation in many different fields”, said
especially the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and President Grabar-Kitarović.
elections that will be held in the autumn, as well as the
relations between Croatia and Serbia. “In particular, I Speaking about migrations, the Croatian President said
wanted to discuss the Three Seas Initiative, given that that patience is needed and that this could even become
some media have been suggesting that Germany is a question of the European Union’s very existence,
opposed to the Initiative and that the Initiative is aimed if there is further discord. “Croatia is attempting to
against Germany. However, I have been given absolute reconcile all sides, but also to raise awareness that this
assurances that Germany has nothing against the is our common problem and that responsibility cannot
Initiative, but rather that it understands our efforts aimed be transferred to the external border States, but that
at building a transport, energy and digital infrastructure”, we must all work together to protect European borders”,
noted the Croatian President. concluded President Grabar-Kitarović.
“Germany sees Croatia as a partner, they are aware of
our position and that none of us want to be a European
NO 12, 2018, ZAGREB, CROATIASECURITY www.president.hr / 35
COOPERATION
President of the Republic
of Croatia Meets with U.S.
Secretary of Defense
ZAGREB, 13 July
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda relations. Special emphasis was placed on the security and
Grabar-Kitarović held a meeting with the Secretary stability of South East Europe, strong support of Croatia
of Defense of the United States of America James to its neighbors on their path towards European and Euro-
Mattis, who paid an official visit to the Republic of Atlantic integration, and on the need for strengthening the
Croatia on the occasion of a Special Meeting of U.S.- political presence and empowering the U.S. role in South
Adriatic Charter Defense Ministers. At the meeting, it East Europe.
was emphasized that the Republic of Croatia and the
President Grabar-Kitarović and Secretary of Defense
United States of America enjoy a strong friendship,
Mattis also reflected on the main messages from this
partnership and an exceptionally successful bilateral
week’s NATO Summit in Brussels, with an emphasis on
defense and military-military cooperation, which has
solidarity, communion and a commitment to further
reached the level of a strategic partnership.
strengthening the Alliance, which emerged through frank
conversation among the Allies.
The meeting focused on areas of possible future
cooperation that would further strengthen overall bilateral
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NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Trilateral Meeting Slovenia –
Croatia – Austria
DOBROVO, 5 July Speaking about the EU’s external borders, the Croatian
President pointed out that Croatia could more effectively
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- protect external borders, and contribute significantly to
Kitarović, the President of the Republic of Slovenia overall security and to safeguarding the Union, after it joins
the Schengen Area. “This is especially important when it
Borut Pahor and the President of the Republic of Austria
comes to restoring the confidence of European citizens
Alexander Van der Bellen held their regular annual
affected by the terrorist attacks and the migration crisis”,
trilateral meeting in Dobrovo, Republic of Slovenia. President Grabar-Kitarović said.
The President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar- The host of this year’s meeting, President Borut Pahor
Kitarović said that the issues of illegal migrations and the of Slovenia, said that the cooperation between Slovenia,
stability of South East Europe were discussed, as well as Austria and Croatia within this framework is even more
themes under consideration within the frame of the Three important today given the recent security and other
Seas Initiative, such as prosperity, cohesion and the digital challenges. He added that through such meetings and
future. exchanges mutual relations and trust are strengthened,
Speaking about migrations and preparations for Croatia’s even when it comes to bilateral issues where there are
entrance into the Schengen Area, President Grabar- opposing views, such as the different positions of Croatia
Kitarović said that the Croatian police are strengthening and Slovenia on the border arbitration issue, or the views
their human resources and other capabilities at the on migration and the control of internal borders within
border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is also the Schengen Area, in the context of relations between
external border of the European Union, and added that Slovenia and Austria.
she has warned the participants of the meeting about the Both Slovenian President Pahor and Austrian President
present situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Croatian Van der Bellen had coinciding views about the danger of
President stressed that the focus should be on Bosnia and creating a so-called “domino effect” if the internal borders
Herzegovina, a country that should become part of the of the European Union and the Schengen Area are closed
European Union, and because it is a State that, in line with off due to the European migrant crisis.
its constitution, not only needs to ensure civil equality, but
also the equality of its three constituent peoples.
NO 11,
NOMAY
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