MED9 foreign ministers in Dubrovnik discuss Pact for the Mediterranean

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman hosted a meeting of the foreign ministers of the MED9 member states on the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean. The meeting took place on 27 June as part of the Dubrovnik Forum.

The meeting was held at the outset of the implementation phase of the Pact for the Mediterranean and the establishment of the first operational mechanisms envisaged under its Action Plan. It was also attended by the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica.

The ministers discussed opportunities for coordinated action by the MED9 member states vis-à-vis partners in the Southern Neighbourhood within the framework of the Pact's implementation, with a view to strengthening the resilience of the region and addressing current geopolitical and security challenges. Particular attention was devoted to the role of the Pact in deepening cooperation with the Western Balkans and the Gulf countries.

Grlić Radman underlined that Croatia views the Pact for the Mediterranean as an important framework for translating shared political ambitions into tangible cooperation and measurable results. He stressed that the challenges facing the Mediterranean - from energy, climate change and economic development to security and migration - are closely interconnected and require a coordinated and comprehensive approach, as well as close cooperation with the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood.

The discussion highlighted that strengthening cooperation on border security and migration management should not be viewed in isolation from investment in human capital, education and opportunities for young people, but rather as complementary elements of the region's long-term stability and development. Participants also underscored the importance of enhancing regional connectivity, including through infrastructure, energy and digital projects, as a key prerequisite for the region's long-term stability and prosperity.

During its MED9 Presidency, Croatia will continue to promote dialogue, coordination and joint action among the member states in implementing the Pact for the Mediterranean. The upcoming meetings of ministers responsible for demography and agriculture in July, followed by the MED9 Leaders' Summit in October, will further contribute to shaping shared priorities and strengthening Mediterranean cooperation.

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