Minister Grlić Radman in Subotica: Importance of Croatia-Serbia relations, commitment to dialogue, protection of Croatian community rights

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Grlić Radman visited Subotica on 19 June 2026, where he took part in the programme marking the Day of the Croatian Community in the Republic of Serbia - the Birth Anniversary of Bishop Ivan Antunović.

As part of his visit, Grlić Radman met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić. He thanked his host for the warm welcome and stressed that the Republic of Croatia remains sincerely committed to resolving all outstanding issues through open, constructive and continuous dialogue, in the spirit of good neighbourly relations and mutual respect.

In this context, he particularly emphasised the importance of continuing work on issues relating to missing persons, archives and the border. He expressed the expectation that the demonstrated readiness for dialogue would contribute to tangible progress in addressing these matters, which are of great importance both for the families of victims and for the further strengthening of mutual trust.

The interlocutors also reaffirmed their readiness to further enhance cooperation and contribute to stability in the Western Balkans. As a Member State of the European Union, Croatia will continue to support Serbia's European path, while underscoring the need to fulfil all criteria and obligations arising from the accession process.

In addition to the bilateral meeting, the visit to Subotica was dedicated to the Croatian community in the Republic of Serbia. Together with Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman, State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad Zvonko Milas, and President of the Croatian National Council Jasna Vojnić, Minister Grlić Radman participated in a ceremonial citizenship conferment for new Croatian citizens, held at the Croatian Home - Matica.

The central event of the programme was the commemoration of the Day of the Croatian Community in the Republic of Serbia - the Birth Anniversary of Bishop Ivan Antunović, held in the Great Hall of the Subotica City Assembly. The ceremonial academy featured addresses by Grlić Radman, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, President of the Croatian National Council Jasna Vojnić, State Secretary Zvonko Milas, and Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman.

During the ceremony, the "Red Necktie" Award was presented to the top student of the generation attending classes in the Croatian language in the 2025/2026 school year. The award further highlighted the importance of education and of preserving the Croatian language, identity and cultural heritage of Croats in the Republic of Serbia.

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