Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský and Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman met in Prague on Tuesday to discuss support for Ukraine and European defense.
According to Radio Prague International, the Czech Foreign Minister emphasized that supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression is an integral part and condition of European security.
"I highly value the assistance Croatia provides to Ukraine as it resists the invasion. I also greatly appreciate how Croatia, drawing on its own experience, is helping Ukraine, for example, in the area of demining," said Lipavský.
He noted that the Czech Republic shares Croatia's view on the need to accelerate the EU accession process for Western Balkan countries. “This is a key region for peace and stability in Europe,” he emphasized.
Grlić-Radman, in turn, stated that Croatia appreciates the support the Czech Republic has given to Ukraine and its people since the beginning of the Russian aggression.
"Croatia knows from its own experience that only a just peace can be lasting. Any other solution merely encourages expansionist tendencies," said the Croatian Foreign Minister.
He added that the ministers also discussed European defense, the situation in the Middle East, and energy self-sufficiency.
“We support steps that will lead to the establishment of lasting peace,” Grlić-Radman said, commenting on the Middle East.
Both ministers noted that trade between the Czech Republic and Croatia exceeded one billion euros last year.
On Tuesday morning, the Croatian minister also visited the Czech Senate. According to Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Pavel Fischer, the talks included not only bilateral relations but also EU enlargement and the stabilization of the Western Balkans. Fischer stressed the importance of paying attention to the region, building on a strong alliance with Croatia.
“We discussed energy cooperation and the security situation as well,” Fischer said.
Fischer also emphasized that the Czech Republic and Croatia are united on all aspects of support for Ukraine.
“Not just military, but also financial, political, and humanitarian,” the senator noted.
In addition, the parties discussed Russia's attempts to infiltrate Central Europe through various intermediaries.
