Minister Grlić Radman in Manila: Strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation, cultural ties between two countries

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines from 12 to 14 October 2025. This marked the first visit by a Croatian foreign minister to that country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993.

The official programme of Grlić Radman's visit to Manila began with the concert "Echoes of Croatia in the Philippines", featuring soprano Chriztel Renae Aceveda, mezzo-soprano Blanka Tkalčić, and pianist Danijel Oto. The concert served as an opportunity to present Croatia's rich musical heritage and to further strengthen cultural and interpersonal ties between Croatia and the Philippines.

Grlić Radman held a meeting with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Theresa P. Lazaro. During his visit, the minister also met with the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Faustino Dy III; the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Emigdio P. Tanjuatco III; the Secretary of National Defense, Gilbert Teodoro; and the Secretary of Migrant Workers, Hans Leo J. Cacdac. Together with State Secretary Ivan Vidiš, Grlić Radman also attended the opening of the Philippine-Croatian Friendship Week at the Department of Migrant Workers.

In discussions with Philippine officials, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and deepening people-to-people contacts based on shared values of peace, stability, multilateralism, and respect for international law. The interlocutors exchanged views on current regional and global issues, as well as on opportunities for cooperation within international organizations.

Grlić Radman delivered a lecture at the Foreign Service Institute entitled "Croatia's Role in the Western Balkans: Lessons for Regional Stability and Peacebuilding." In his address, he presented Croatia's experiences in reconciliation, post-war recovery, and the process of European integration.

During the visit, the minister formally inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Manila, headed by Honorary Consul Ivan Klarić. The opening of the Consulate represents an important step in strengthening Croatia's institutional presence in Southeast Asia and contributes to the continued development of bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on economic and cultural cooperation.

In addition to meetings with Philippine officials, Grlić Radman also met with Archbishop Charles J. Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of the Philippines, and Mariamassi Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of the Philippines.

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