The United States and Croatia marked 30 years of diplomatic relations with shared goals of promoting peace, security and prosperity, the two countries said in a March 17 joint statement.
The nations are reportedly committed to advancing shared foreign policy goals, intensifying bilateral cooperation and strengthening the transatlantic bond, according to the statement. The six key pillars of the relationship are global issues, defense and security, energy and climate change, regional cooperation, trade and investment and people-to-people ties.
“The governments of the United States and Croatia held a strategic dialogue in Washington, D.C., March 17, which underscored the deepening cooperation between the U.S. and Croatia and sets the vision for our shared goals of promoting peace, security and prosperity in both Europe and globally,” the joint statement said. The dialogue was led by Petar Mihatov, Croatian ministry of foreign affairs director, and Dr. Karen Donfried, U.S. assistant secretary of state of European and Eurasian affairs.
Promoting democracy, rule of law and fundamental human rights will build on pledges from President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy in 2021, according to the joint statement.
The NATO allies reportedly remain committed to peace and stability in all of Europe by meeting high-end defense capabilities and NATO commitments in support of collective security. They will conduct bilateral exercises and training to improve interoperability and readiness, the joint statement said.
Energy diversification and tackling climate change through decarbonization and clean energy policies received a renewed commitment, according to the joint statement. The U.S. lauded Croatia for its leadership through the opening of the floating liquefied natural gas terminal off Krk Island.
The U.S. and Croatia want to deepen bilateral economic and commercial cooperation, including the swift conclusion to treaty negotiations to avoid double taxation, the statement said. They plan to advance the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans countries and to see Croatia’s neighbors anchored in a Europe free, whole and at peace, according to the statement.
"Both countries remain committed to expanding educational, cultural and professional exchange opportunities, including through the Fulbright Program,” the joint statement said.
