Grlic Radman holds video conference with German counterpart

Croatian Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman on Monday held a video conference with his German counterpart Heiko Maas on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the consequences of a recent earthquake in Zagreb, the ministry said in a press release.

Grlic Radman informed Maas of the government's prompt response to the outbreak of the novel virus and the consequences of the March 22 earthquake, the press release said. Minister Grlic Radman thanked Maas for Germany's help in dealing with the consequences of the earthquake and Germany's openness for further assistance.

Grlic Radman underscored the importance of a joint and coordinated response by the European Union to show collective strength, togetherness and solidarity, the press release said.

He welcomed the European Commission's measures in response to the pandemic and highlighted the importance of unity in adopting the Multiannual Financial Framework. The new seven-year EU budget needs to cater to the consequences of the pandemic but also to take account of each member state's specificities, particularly Croatia's use of EU funds.

This was one in a series of video conferences with Germany considering that Germany will take over the EU presidency after Croatia. Grlic Radman presented Croatia's further plans during its presidency. Both sides agreed that it is important to exchange experiences because some of Croatia's themes during its presidency will continue in the second half of the year when Germany takes over the presidency, for example the topic of the Western Balkans and the Eastern partnership, the ministry said.

Grlic Radman thanked Maas for Germany's assistance in repatriating Croatian citizens who were stranded abroad.

The ministers discussed the situation in Libya and Ukraine and underlined the importance of multilateralism and a global approach in responding to the novel virus pandemic. They also discussed possible models for German tourists to be able to visit Croatia, the ministry said in its press release.

Text: Hina

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