Croatian PM reaffirms commitment to supporting Ukraine
Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković has reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting Ukraine which is suffering from Russian aggression.
"Today I would like to focus on three points. First, Croatia's continued assistance to Ukraine. Second, relations of Southeast European countries with Ukraine. And the third one is why Ukraine, which is suffering from Russian aggression, matters to the world and how we behave in the international community," he said in his opening remarks at the Ukraine – South East Europe Summit in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on Wednesday.
The head of government noted that the total amount of assistance provided by Croatia since February 2022 has reached about EUR 300 million. In addition, Croatia has received approximately 30,000 Ukrainian refugees, as well as Ukrainian wounded soldiers for rehabilitation in veteran centers and specialized hospitals.
"In this context, President [of Ukraine Volodymyr] Zelenskyy and I signed an agreement on long-term cooperation and support between Croatia and Ukraine, which lays the foundation for our relations for many years to come, and its content is in line with what we believe we can best contribute," Plenković emphasized.
According to him, "it is a natural reflex for Croatia, as a country that in the past survived aggression and war with much less international assistance, to stand today next to a country that is defending the same values of freedom, democracy and peace."
"We believe this is the right thing to do, and I am proud that today we are all gathered to reaffirm our joint support for Ukraine," the Croatian Prime Minister said.
He also said that Ukraine supported Croatia in 1991, becoming one of the first countries to recognize Croatia internationally, its independence, and provided the country with military equipment and weapons.
"Today, Croatia supports Ukraine with equal strength and assistance," Plenković said.