Joint Declaration on Strategic Dialogue raises Armenia-Croatia relations to ne

‍‍Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, State Secretary for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, considers the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and Croatia a significant development in bilateral relations.

She said the declaration would elevate relations between the two countries to a new level of cooperation across a number of areas.

‍‍Metelko-Zgombić made the remarks in an interview with Armenpress on the sidelines of the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 forum.

During the interview, she also touched upon the current state and prospects of Armenia-Croatia relations, Zagreb’s views on the expansion of Armenia-European Union ties, as well as the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process.

The Croatian official described the initialing of the peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku as a historic achievement not only for the two countries, but also for the wider region.

 Armenia-Croatia bilateral relations

I am happy to say that the Croatian-Armenian relations have been intensifying at the political level in recent years. Armenia’s closer relationship with the EU, including the upgraded EU and Armenia Strategic Partnership Agenda, also provides an important framework for expanding cooperation.

I held very productive political consultations in Yerevan last November and I can attest significant interest in further strengthening our political and economic ties, including in the technological and defense industries, the agri-food industry, as well as cultural and scientific cooperation. An important area of interest is Croatia’s experience with EU integration processes, transfer of knowledge and experience in implementing reforms.

Croatia’s EU accession experience represents a credible and recent success story, making us a trusted partner. Since its entry into the EU in 2013, Croatia has demonstrated a strong political commitment to sharing know-how, supporting 13 partner countries through over 1.000 technical assistance activities and 53 Twinning projects.

I am glad to be able to share that the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia, along with their Slovenian partner, was selected for a Twinning project with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia. This joint health project marks a milestone as the first structured cooperation of this kind between Croatia and Armenia. This project goes beyond technical assistance, it represents a strategic partnership built on shared values, solidarity, inclusiveness and commitment to accessible public services.

Another area in which Croatia is ready to share its experience is demining. The EU’s Eastern Neighborhood is one of the priorities of the Croatian development policy. Our focus is on technical assistance through sharing of national experience and expertise in post-war stabilization and recovery (especially humanitarian demining) and socio-economic and democratic transition. I am especially pleased to hear that the Armenian Centre for Demining and Expertise (ACHDE), following a successful EU tender process, has selected robotic demining systems from the Croatian company DOK-ING. I am confident that this project will significantly increase safety and security of local communities affected by explosive remnants of war and further contribute to confidence-building efforts in the region.

At the same time, we are also keen to draw on Armenia’s expertise. During my last-year’s visit to Yerevan, I was thrilled to visit Armenia’s TUMO center, which left quite an impression on me. TUMO presents a cutting-edge blend of creativity and technology in digital skill education and we would like to bring this innovative youth program to Croatia as well. I must say this is a project I am personally invested in.

Let us not forget the centuries old historic, cultural and spiritual ties shared by Croatia and Armenia. We have a common saint – Saint Blaise, a patron saint of Dubrovnik as of 10th century, who is of Armenian origin. As well as Josip Marinović who wrote the first history of Armenians in the West already in 18th century.

The Joint Declaration on Strategic Dialogue between Croatia and Armenia was signed during the Croatian prime minister’s visit to Yerevan to participate in the 8th Summit of the European Political Community Summit.

The signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Dialogue between Croatia and Armenia by Prime Minister Plenković and Prime Minister Pashinyan represents a milestone in our bilateral relations. I am certain it will bring our relations to a new level of cooperation in a number of fields (regional and international cooperation, security, defense and justice, economy and infrastructure, industry, energy, education, science, culture and tourism).

This includes cooperation in projects of regional and international trade and transport connectivity, specifically through support to each other’s connectivity projects, such as Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative.

I believe the Joint Declaration also reflects Croatia’s and Armenia’s concerns, as small countries with rich yet vulnerable ecosystems, when it comes to addressing climate change challenges. The Joint Declaration calls for collaboration on implementing Sustainable Development Goals, promoting innovation and technological advances, and transition to a green economy, as well as cooperation in the field of energy, particularly on renewable energy projects.

When it comes to cooperation on sustainable food and agriculture systems, direct contact has been established between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia and the Armenian side with a focus on cooperation in the field of smart farming and improving trade. We see significant potential in this area. Finally, this Declaration marks a key step in advancing our political dialogue, deepening sectorial cooperation and setting out a forward-looking bilateral agenda.

The 8th Summit of the European Political Community in Armenia

European Political Community is an excellent format to address the challenges we are facing in Europe today as they do not recognize borders and require broad pan-European coordination. Croatia has supported this forum since the very beginning, as a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation.

The topics of yesterday’s European Political Community summit are extremely relevant – strengthening connectivity and reinforcing democratic resilience.

The South Caucasus, including Armenia, is a vital trade hub that has the potential to improve economic connectivity between Europe and Asia through the so-called Middle Corridor. Connectivity is no longer just about infrastructure. It is about security, resilience and Europe’s long-term competitiveness.  The war in Ukraine has already shown how disruptions to energy, transport and supply chains affect Europe’s security and resilience and recent developments in the Middle East have further highlighted the vulnerability of key energy and trade routes.

For Croatia, connectivity is a strategic reality. Croatia’s geostrategic position offers one of the shortest maritime routes between Europe and Asia. Our goal is to leverage this position in order to enhance the overall standing of our wider region within Europe and on the global stage. In this context, Croatia hosted the Three Seas Initiative summit last week. The aim is to connect the Baltic, Black and Adriatic Seas in order to improve our connectivity. Our approach is guided by the principle that connectivity must strengthen resilience – economically, energetically and politically. It is also a matter of deterrence and military mobility, shaping our ability to act and respond in times of crisis.

Croatia’s support to Armenia – EU partnership

Let me congratulate Armenia on hosting the first-ever EU–Armenia summit, which is a historic step that reflects how much our relationship has deepened, grounded in shared values, mutual interests, and respect for a rules-based international order.

The EU’s engagement focuses on strengthening Armenia’s democratic and economic resilience, supporting peace and normalization in the region, and enhancing connectivity to unlock security and economic benefits for Armenia, the region, and the EU.

In this context, the EU has adopted the 270 million euros Resilience and Growth Plan for 2024–2027 as well as the Strategic Partnership Programme, alongside a Visa Liberalisation Plan.

Our cooperation already brings tangible security, economic and societal benefits. The EU has deployed the civilian EUMA mission to strengthen border security, stability and resilience against hybrid threats. The recently announced establishment of the new EU Partnership Mission will further enhance Armenia’s democratic resilience and crisis management abilities. The EU actively supports peace and normalization with neighbouring countries through programmes for economic development, connectivity, cross-border cooperation and building confidence. The assistance also includes demining support, including equipment from Croatia’s renowned company DOK-ING as well as aid to displaced Karabakh Armenians, with Croatia contributing 250,000 euros. Through the Resilience and Growth Plan, the EU is further advancing democratic reforms, investment in energy and transport, and private sector development. The EU-Armenia landmark visa liberalisation dialogue, provided Armenia’s continued progress in meeting benchmarks, should lead to a visa-free travel for Armenian citizens. 

Armenia also plays a key role in regional connectivity, particularly through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which is both an opportunity and a necessity for the region and the EU, as confirmed by the launch of the EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership. By investing in connectivity, we are enhancing stability. The EU investments in transport, energy, and digital links are helping create jobs, boost trade, and strengthen resilience.

Croatia strongly welcomes the intensification of EU–Armenia relations, as demonstrated by the outcomes of this summit. EU support is especially important in strengthening Armenia’s resilience to foreign interference and safeguarding democratic progress. Upcoming parliamentary elections will carry not only domestic importance but also wider geopolitical significance for the South Caucasus.

Croatia’s position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process

Croatia welcomes the significant steps taken by Yerevan and Baku toward normalizing relations, including the agreements signed in Washington last August and the initialling of the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace treaty. This represents a historic achievement not only for both countries but also for the wider region. In this context, the gradual normalization of relations with Türkiye, including the swift opening of borders, is crucial for regional stability.

We encourage both Armenia and Azerbaijan to ensure the timely implementation of agreed steps, particularly the signing and ratification of the peace treaty. The EU, together with international partners, has long supported both sides in fostering conditions for lasting peace and will continue to do so. In particular, we welcome civil society contacts as an essential component for achieving sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and for advancing confidence-building measures.

Drawing on its post-war experience in stabilisation and recovery, border demarcation and delimitation, and demining as mentioned above, Croatia stands ready to offer its expertise and support to Armenia upon request.

We also emphasize the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and unblocking trade routes, which can deliver tangible benefits for all populations in the South Caucasus. The EU is advancing these goals through initiatives such as the Global Gateway strategy and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, in close coordination with partners. In this regard, Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative aligns well with the EU objectives by contributing to regional cooperation and connectivity.