Croatia and Canada strengthen transatlantic partnership and economic relations

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar and Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina.

Prime Ministers Andrej Plenković and Mark Carney highlighted the excellent relations between Croatia and Canada on a number of bilateral and global issues, as well as within the framework of NATO membership. The importance of the large Croatian community in Canada, which makes an important contribution to the Croatian-Canadian partnership and to the political, economic, academic and cultural life of Canada, while maintaining strong ties with Croatia, was particularly emphasized. Plenković also advocated for resolving the issue of the categorization of the Croatian language in the Canadian Census.

Plenković said that Croatia sees Canada as a reliable and important transatlantic partner - a country with which we share democratic values, commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation.

In 2025, trade between Croatia and Canada amounted to $430 million, which is a 150 percent increase compared to the previous year. The increased economic cooperation was significantly contributed to by the purchase of aircraft and engines for Croatia Airlines, as well as the delivery of ships ordered by the Canadian company Algoma from the 3. maj shipyard. The growth in Canadian tourist arrivals to Croatia continues - 188 thousand arrivals were recorded in 2025, and the positive trend continued in 2026.

Support for Ukraine, peace in the Middle East, and the European perspective and stability of Southeast Europe

Croatia and Canada strongly support Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and continue to participate in international efforts to support Ukraine. The need for a complete de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East was emphasized, as was support for the European perspective and stability of Southeast Europe.

In terms of energy cooperation, Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the strategic role of the LNG terminal on Krk, and the two prime ministers also referred to their common interest in further developing civilian nuclear energy. In this regard, a joint statement by Croatia and Canada will be signed tomorrow on the occasion of the business community meeting in Toronto.

Croatia also welcomes Canada's interest in the DONES project, a unique platform for the development of future nuclear fusion energy production technologies, scientific excellence and international cooperation.

Development of  Defence, Security and Resilience Bank
 
The meeting discussed the further development of the initiative to establish a Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), which envisages instruments for financing small and medium-sized enterprises in defence, security and resilience projects among allies.

Plenković and Carney also briefly met with representatives of Croatian and Canadian companies, ORQA and Remote Robotics, who will sign a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership of the defence industry for the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced production of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and support for the training of the Canadian Armed Forces during tomorrow's economic meeting.

Prime Minister Plenković concluded by congratulating Prime Minister Carney on Canada's hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, together with the United States and Mexico, and the two prime ministers exchanged good wishes for the Cr