Minister Grlić Radman visits the United States

From Thursday to Sunday, February 6-9, 2025, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman visited the United States, where he met with representatives of the Croatian community in the cities of Tampa, Miami, and New York. He also participated in the celebration of Stepinčevo.

During his visit to the Croatian community in Clearwater, Florida, gathered at the Croatian Club Tampa Bay, the minister praised their efforts in maintaining strong ties with the homeland. He highlighted their commitment to preserving Croatian culture, language, and traditions through various activities. Grlić Radman also met with representatives of the American business community in Florida to discuss opportunities for deepening economic cooperation and strengthening investment ties. He expressed his gratitude to the hosts for their efforts in promoting Croatia and reaffirmed Croatia's commitment to its diaspora.

At Clearwater City Hall, the minister held a meeting with the mayor, where they discussed economic and cultural cooperation, trade exchange, energy, tourism, and the potential establishment of direct flights between Croatian and American airports.

At the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Grlić Radman addressed current security challenges and the possibilities of further strengthening cooperation between Croatia and the United States. He emphasized Croatia's commitment to contributing to NATO, UN, and EU missions, particularly in ensuring security and stability in the Middle East and the Western Balkans. He underscored that close cooperation with key allies like the United States is essential for addressing shared global challenges. The minister also met with representatives of Miami-Dade County and the International Trade Consortium, with whom he discussed investment opportunities and strengthening economic relations in sectors of mutual interest.

During his visit to the Croatian-American Cultural Center "King Tomislav" in Deerfield Beach, Grlić Radman emphasized the center's important role in preserving Croatian culture, language, and traditions. He told the center's leadership and members of the Croatian community that their dedication to maintaining Croatian identity far from home is invaluable. Expressing gratitude for their contribution to strengthening ties between Croatia and the United States, he reassured them that Croatia remains committed to supporting its emigrants worldwide and reinforcing connections with the diaspora.

As part of his visit to PortMiami, the minister held a working meeting with port representatives, discussing collaboration opportunities between Croatian ports and PortMiami, one of the world's most significant maritime hubs. He emphasized Croatia's dedication to strengthening partnerships in key sectors, including defence, energy, and economic cooperation.

In New York, Grlić Radman joined the Croatian community in celebrating Stepinčevo at the Croatian Parish of St. Cyril and Methodius and St. Raphael. The Mass was led by New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who spoke about Cardinal Stepinac's lasting legacy in Croatian history, his unwavering faith, courage, and fight for justice. Grlić Radman took this opportunity to thank the Croatian community for preserving Croatian culture, traditions, and identity through folklore, music, and education. He highlighted that their efforts are essential in maintaining strong ties between the homeland and new generations growing up in the United States.

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