Press releases, 12.04.2024

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

Bilateral relations, European policy and the international context were the focus of discussions between the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The two ministers underscored the strong ties that exist between Switzerland and Croatia. Bilateral relations have been further strengthened by Switzerland's second contribution to Croatia as an EU member state. Amounting to CHF 45.7 million until 2029, the funding will support priority areas such as water and wastewater management, research and innovation, support for civil society and palliative care.

Mr Cassis informed his counterpart about the Federal Council's decision to organise a high-level conference on peace in Ukraine. This conference, scheduled for June 2024 in Switzerland, should serve as a platform for high-level dialogue to pave the way for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The two ministers also noted the excellent cooperation between Switzerland and Croatia in the field of humanitarian demining in Ukraine. Following on from the International Donors' Conference on humanitarian demining in Ukraine, held in Zagreb in 2023, Switzerland will co-organise the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024 in Lausanne in October. Switzerland has invited Croatia to take part in the conference.

Mr Cassis briefed his counterpart on the latest developments in Swiss–EU relations in the context of the package negotiations that opened in March 2024. The two ministers also exchanged views on the Western Balkans, highlighting their close relations with the countries in the region.


Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland - Croatia
Swiss contribution to selected EU member states


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Last update 19.07.2023

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