Visit to Syria and Jordan: Croatia’s commitment to peace, stability, and economic cooperation in the Middle East

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman paid a working visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic from Tuesday to Wednesday, 9-10 September 2025.

In Amman, he held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, focusing on bilateral cooperation, regional security challenges, and the alarming situation in Gaza, as well as the next steps toward achieving peace. To date, Croatia has contributed nearly 4 million euros in aid to vulnerable groups in Gaza, particularly children. Croatia also provides continuous support for the accommodation of Syrian refugees in Jordan, specifically in the Za'atari and Azraq camps, contributing to the creation of safe spaces for children and the renovation and improvement of school playgrounds. Grlić Radman visited the Za'atari camp, where he gained insight into the living conditions of refugees and Jordan's extensive efforts in providing assistance and support.

During the visit, the ministers signed an Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Holders of Diplomatic Passports, thereby further facilitating and strengthening contacts between the two countries.

In Damascus, Grlić Radman met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Asaad Al-Shaibani, and conveyed Croatia's solidarity with the Syrian people, who continue to face the consequences of conflict and hardship. As a country that endured the devastation of war in the 1990s, Croatia understands the challenges of state reconstruction, transition, and the pursuit of peace. In this regard, Croatia stands ready to share its experiences and best practices.

The visit to Syria represents an important step in the full re-establishment of bilateral relations. Croatia recognizes multiple opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy and energy, post-war reconstruction, as well as knowledge transfer in the areas of missing persons and institutional development. Grlić Radman was accompanied by a delegation from the energy sector, including representatives of INA and the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, with a view to strengthening energy cooperation.

The minister also briefed his Syrian and Jordanian counterparts on the political and security situation in Southeast Europe, underlining the importance of upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement and ensuring the equal status of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This visit reaffirms Croatia's commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Middle East, while opening new avenues for the development of bilateral relations with Jordan and Syria.

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