Croatia on Monday expressed its support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat as both countries announced that they are exploring possible defense cooperation and bolstering two-way trade.
Croatian Foreign Minister Grlic Radman, who called the Philippines a “very important partner, made the commitment during his bilateral meeting in Manila with Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro.
“Foreign Minister Radman has also again assured us of Croatia’s support for the Philippines’ candidature to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028. Our sincerest thanks,” Lazaro said in a joint press conference.
Lazaro said the Philippines and Croatia have always been strong partners in advocating for maritime security, particularly on issues involving the safety of seafarers. The Philippines is one of the largest suppliers of seamen in the world, manning cargo ships, oil tankers, passenger vessels and cruise ships.
“In many ways, in many aspects we have been collaborating and we have a growing Filipino community in Croatia. The candidature is something they have thought well on how best we can serve in the security council,” Lazaro said.
The last time the Philippines held one of the elected seats in the UNSC was in 2004.
Lazaro and Radman also discussed defense cooperation and potential collaboration on maritime affairs.
“Defense cooperation is also an important aspect of our relations, where we discussed how both the Philippines and Croatia are working towards defense modernization, and how we can learn from each other’s experiences,” Lazaro said, adding Manila’s ties with Croatia are currently on an “uptick trend.”
Radman said he sees a “huge opportunity” for defense cooperation with the Philippines, noting that Croatia’s defense industrial companies are recognized globally.
Like the Philippines, Radman said Croatia has also faced territorial disputes, but despite the challenges, it remains committed to upholding the rule of law as a responsible member of the UN.
“Maritime territorial disputes are never easy,” Radman said, citing the “complex situation” in the South China Sea, where several countries, including the Philippines and China, have overlapping claims.
Lazaro, meanwhile, said her discussions with Radman, who also met President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacanang, “resulted in fruitful exchanges on economic cooperation.
Both sides, she said, are eyeing cooperation on labor, science and technology, education, and tourism.
“We noted that there is much room for growth, but that this situation presents plenty of promise, with the Philippines offering opportunities for investments in the manufacturing, IT-BPO, food and beverage, and creative industries sectors,” she said.
Radman highlighted the contributions of the 15,000 Filipino workers in Croatia and assured the Philippine government that their rights will be protected in the country. –NB, GMA Integrated News